Israeli airstrikes in Beirut’s southern suburbs have resulted in significant destruction, targeting Hezbollah leadership. Concurrently, 18 fatalities occurred in a separate strike in the Tulkarem refugee camp, marking a notable escalation in the West Bank. Responses from Palestinian officials condemn these actions as war crimes, amidst rising tensions in the region.
In a series of aggressive military operations, Israeli airstrikes have targeted residential areas in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, marking one of the largest escalations in the conflict to date. These operations resulted in significant collateral damage, flattening numerous buildings in the region. In a separate but related incident, 18 individuals were reported dead following an Israeli strike on the Tulkarem refugee camp located in the West Bank. Reports indicate that the Israeli military initiated an airstrike aimed at Hashem Safieddine, a senior figure in Hezbollah and cousin to the deceased leader Hassan Nasrallah. Anonymous sources within the Israeli government disclosed to Axios that Safieddine was believed to have been sheltered in a well-protected bunker at the time of the attack, although confirmation of his status remains uncertain. The US State Department had previously designated Safieddine as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist in 2017 due to his involvement with Hezbollah’s executive council. The Israeli military also claimed responsibility for the death of Zahi Yaser Abd al-Razeq Oufi, an alleged Hamas leader, as a consequence of their operation in the Tulkarem refugee camp. This airstrike has been noted as the deadliest on the occupied West Bank in over two decades, striking a busy café and resulting in multiple casualties. In response to the attack, Rawhi Fattouh, a representative of the Palestine Liberation Organisation, denounced the actions as a “bloody, criminal aggression,” emphasizing that such violence will further destabilize the region. He condemned the killings as a violation of international humanitarian laws, characterizing them as war crimes and mass murder. Amid these developments, there is increasing concern regarding escalating tensions throughout the Middle East, particularly relating to Israeli actions in Gaza and Lebanon and rising hostilities with Iran. Al Jazeera is providing continuous coverage of the situation, offering live updates and expert analyses of these critical events.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian groups, as well as tensions with Hezbollah in Lebanon, has escalated in recent weeks, exacerbated by military offensives and retaliation cycles. The focus has frequently been on the military strategies employed by both sides, particularly airstrikes, which have resulted in high civilian casualties and widespread destruction. The assassination threats against significant political and military figures further complicate the ongoing strife, with international implications resonating throughout the region.
This report outlines the recent Israeli airstrikes in southern Beirut and the West Bank, highlighting the casualties and the political ramifications of these actions. The targeted strikes against Hezbollah leadership, coupled with the deadly attack on the Tulkarem refugee camp, have drawn condemnation and raised questions concerning international humanitarian laws. These events mark a significant escalation in hostilities, suggesting a further deterioration of security and stability in the Middle East.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
