Israeli airstrikes in central Beirut have led to 18 deaths and 92 injuries, prompting condemnation from the UN over violations of international law. Strikes in Gaza resulted in significant casualties, as humanitarian crises deepen amid ongoing military operations. Calls for a ceasefire are being made by Lebanon’s prime minister and supported by international entities, although Israeli operations persist.
In recent developments, Israeli airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of at least 18 individuals and injured 92 others in central Beirut, as reported by Lebanon’s health ministry. The strikes occurred on Thursday evening, targeting the Ras al-Nabaa area, where an eight-story apartment building was severely damaged, and subsequent explosions were noted inside the structure. Another strike in Burj Abi Haidar led to the collapse of an entire building, which subsequently caught fire. Additionally, the United Nations Peacekeeping Force indicated that two of its personnel sustained injuries from an Israeli tank’s gunfire directed at a watchtower in southern Lebanon. They condemned this action as a serious breach of international humanitarian law, emphasizing Israel’s alleged risk of targeting other UN positions. Moreover, a UN inquiry has condemned Israel’s sustained assaults on Gaza’s healthcare system, characterizing them as actions aimed at exterminating civilians and claiming that these attacks qualify as crimes against humanity due to the intentional targeting of medical personnel and facilities. In the Gaza Strip, the situation remains dire, with reports indicating that approximately 400,000 people are trapped in northern Gaza amidst ongoing military operations. The commissioner general of the UNRWA expressed concerns for the tens of thousands of displaced individuals who find themselves without shelter despite evacuation orders issued by the Israeli forces. Reports from the Palestinian Red Crescent document that Israeli strikes on a school in Gaza, which served as a shelter for the displaced, resulted in at least 28 fatalities and 54 injuries. Despite calls for a ceasefire led by Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati with the support of the United States and France, Israeli military operations persist. Mikati emphasized ongoing efforts to establish a temporary ceasefire to facilitate political solutions, while Hezbollah has also expressed their support for such a declaration. However, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu warned that Hezbollah should distance itself from aggression, stating that failure to do so may lead to similar devastation witnessed in Gaza. The humanitarian situation in Gaza has garnered attention from the US, with officials calling for immediate actions from Israel to alleviate the catastrophic conditions and allow for increased humanitarian aid access.
The conflict between Israel and Lebanon has intensified recently, marked by a surge in airstrikes leading to substantial civilian casualties and severe infrastructural damage. The ongoing hostilities in Gaza have similarly resulted in alarming death tolls and humanitarian crises, prompting international condemnation and calls for ceasefire. The situation has drawn the attention of various global powers, including the UN and US, promoting dialogue aimed at de-escalation. The complexities of the conflict are heightened by the involvement of militant groups and the geopolitical ramifications of ongoing military actions.
In summary, the Israeli airstrikes on Beirut have exacerbated an already critical humanitarian situation, resulting in civilian casualties and international condemnation. As military operations continue in Gaza, the UN highlights significant violations of human rights and humanitarian law. The calls for a ceasefire and negotiations continue amid fears of escalating violence, underscoring the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to mitigate suffering and restore peace in the region.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
