A recent Israeli airstrike struck the southern suburbs of Beirut, marking the first such attack since a ceasefire was enacted on November 27, 2024, between Israel and Hezbollah. Although a ceasefire was established, Israel has conducted nearly daily strikes across southern Lebanon during this period. Witnesses reported a loud explosion and smoke rising from the impact site, which Israel targeted as a facility storing Hezbollah drones.
The Israeli military claimed the airstrike aimed at a crucial Hezbollah stronghold and accused the group of using civilians as human shields, asserting that they had warned residents to evacuate the area before the bombing. Despite the alert, the strike impacted a densely populated residential and commercial zone near schools, prompting an immediate closure of institutions in the suburb of Hadath. Many residents fled the area to evade the impending attack.
The assault was preceded by Israel’s allegations that rockets had been launched from Lebanon into northern Israel, which led to threats of retaliation. Israeli Defence Minister affirmed that peace in Beirut is contingent upon peace in Israel’s northern territory, further escalating the rhetoric surrounding the conflict. However, Hezbollah vehemently denied these accusations, suggesting that Israel was using them as a rationale to justify their military actions against Lebanon.
The ongoing conflict has roots tracing back to the violent escalation following Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which ignited broader warfare, resulting in significant casualties and displacement. Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have led to thousands of casualties, with over 4,000 deaths reported in Lebanon and tens of thousands of Israelis displaced.
Despite the ceasefire agreement, which included a withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territories intended by late January 2025, Israeli presence remains in five locations across Lebanon, and Israeli attacks have persisted in targeting Hezbollah. A recent wave of Israeli airstrikes has resulted in fatalities and injuries in southern Lebanon, with three reported dead and numerous civilian injuries in Kfar Tibnit.
The situation has drawn concern from international bodies, with the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon describing the exchange of fire as alarming. In the larger context of the conflict, Israel has renewed military operations against Hamas in Gaza, leading to substantial civilian casualties and a humanitarian crisis. The war has claimed over 50,000 lives, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, with ongoing retaliatory actions aimed at recovering hostages taken during the initial Hamas attack.
This complex situation continues to evolve as calls for peace and stability are overshadowed by persistent violence and military engagement from both sides.