Israel has conducted massive airstrikes on Hezbollah’s headquarters in Beirut, targeting the group’s leadership, including Hassan Nasrallah, causing significant civilian casualties and destruction. Recent strikes resulted in over 700 deaths in Lebanon since Monday, with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu declaring the continuation of military operations against Hezbollah. The rejection of a proposed ceasefire has drawn criticism from the White House and highlights the escalating crisis.
The Israeli military has intensified its operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, executing significant airstrikes that reportedly targeted the group’s command center in Beirut. These strikes, characterized by a series of powerful explosions, are said to have aimed at Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah. Initial reports indicate substantial collateral damage, with multiple high-rise residential buildings leveled in the vicinity. An Iranian official has disclosed that efforts are under way to ascertain Nasrallah’s precise location following these events. On Friday, the Israeli forces conducted a barrage of eleven airstrikes on southern Beirut, marking the most extensive assault on the Lebanese capital within the past year. The Israeli military has also confirmed strikes on various locations near the city of Tyre, claiming to have killed several key members of Hezbollah’s leadership, including the commander of its missile unit and his deputy. Casualty figures from the recent assaults have been alarming; Lebanon’s health ministry reported that over 90 individuals have died and 153 wounded from Israeli attacks within a single day. Since Monday, the death toll among Lebanese civilians due to these airstrikes has exceeded 700, prompting widespread displacement as families flee affected areas, with some seeking refuge on beaches or in central urban locations. Moreover, during an address to the UN General Assembly, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu asserted Israel’s commitment to continue its military operations against Hezbollah until its objectives are achieved. Netanyahu explicitly warned Iran, stating, “If you strike us, we will strike you,” reinforcing their deterrent stance. Amid continued hostilities, Israel rejected an appeal from its allies for a 21-day cessation of hostilities in Lebanon, a decision that has elicited frustration from the White House, which emphasized the effort that went into proposing the truce.
The current escalations between Israel and Hezbollah are part of a broader and longstanding conflict involving various regional powers and factions. Hezbollah, a militant group based in Lebanon and backed by Iran, has engaged in multiple confrontations with Israel since its establishment. The recent airstrikes represent a significant intensification of military actions, particularly following previous rounds of hostilities that have caused considerable civilian casualties. Israeli leadership, particularly under Prime Minister Netanyahu, has pledged forceful responses to any perceived threats from Iran and its proxies, underlining the complexity and volatility of the situation in the Middle East. The ongoing violence has prompted international concern and calls for de-escalation, yet efforts for a ceasefire have thus far been unsuccessful.
The dramatic escalation of military action by Israel against Hezbollah highlights the tensions in the region and the grave humanitarian crisis unfolding in Lebanon. With significant casualties and widespread displacement, the situation remains precarious as Israeli forces pursue their military objectives in defiance of calls for a ceasefire. International diplomatic efforts appear impeded, as Israel maintains its stance on continuing operations against Hezbollah, adding to concerns about the enduring unpredictability of the conflict.
Original Source: www.france24.com
