At least six people were killed in Israeli air strikes on central Beirut, contributing to a total of 46 fatalities reported across Lebanon in the last day. The UN Security Council stood in emergency session with calls for de-escalation, while both Iran and Israel defended their actions. The Israeli foreign minister labeled UN Secretary-General Guterres as persona non grata, exacerbating tensions.
In a series of Israeli air strikes targeting central Beirut, at least six individuals were reported killed during the overnight assaults, as confirmed by the Lebanese Health Ministry. This incident follows a period of intensified conflict across Lebanon, where 46 fatalities have been recorded in the past 24 hours alone. The recent violence prompted an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council, during which Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the urgent need for de-escalation. During the nearly three-hour meeting, representatives from both Iran and Israel defended their military actions. The Lebanese delegation called upon the Security Council to implement the 2006 resolution advocating for a demilitarized buffer zone in southern Lebanon. In a controversial move, Israel’s foreign minister designated Secretary-General Guterres as persona non grata, accusing him of favoring groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and Iran. As events unfolded, Al Jazeera’s correspondent in Beirut reported an increase in the death toll due to the air strikes. “We know so far there have been six fatalities,” stated Laura Khan from Al Jazeera. She further detailed, “Two died immediately, and more died later from their wounds in hospital, and there are still seven people being treated in hospital.” The UN Secretary-General warned of a rapidly escalating situation in the Middle East, calling the ongoing conflict an “inferno”. He stressed that the cycle of violence was worsening and that immediate actions must be taken to halt hostilities. Amidst the chaos, local witnesses in Beirut recounted hearing continuous explosions, with the most impactful blast occurring just after midnight local time in the Bashoura area. Despite the heightened military aggression, this is only the second instance within the last year that central Beirut has faced Israeli air strikes amid tensions between Hezbollah and Israel. As conflict continues to unfold across the region, Al Jazeera remains dedicated to providing real-time coverage of the developments, encompassing attacks in Gaza, Lebanon, and the broader tensions involving Iran.
The escalating conflict in the Middle East, particularly between Israel and Hezbollah, has led to a significant increase in violence, marked by recent Israeli air strikes in Beirut. The history of tension in this area dates back decades, with numerous resolutions from the United Nations highlighting the necessity for peace and a demilitarized zone in southern Lebanon. This recent wave of violence signifies not only a resurgence of military confrontation but also illustrates the broader geopolitical implications involving crucial players such as Iran. The deaths in Beirut come amid a deadly cycle of conflict that has increasingly drawn international attention and concern.
The recent Israeli air strikes in Beirut, which left at least six individuals dead, underscore the grave escalation of violence in the region. With significant tensions involving Hezbollah, Israel, and Iran, the international community, particularly the United Nations, faces urgent calls for de-escalation. The humanitarian toll of this conflict continues to rise, further complicating the quest for lasting peace. The situation remains fluid, with the public and global observers awaiting definitive actions from Israel and other involved parties.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
