Israel launched a wave of airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, causing widespread panic among residents who fled the area. The strikes were targeting Hezbollah’s headquarters and weapons facilities, with reports indicating that Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah was the intended target. The explosions were the most severe since the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah.
Lebanon’s health ministry reported six people killed and 91 injured in the attacks, with the toll expected to rise. Hospitals in Beirut’s suburbs were being evacuated due to the heavy Israeli strikes. Meanwhile, Israel claimed to have killed the commander of Hezbollah’s missile unit and other fighters in southern Lebanon.
As tensions escalated, Hezbollah responded by launching rockets at Israeli cities, prompting fears of further retaliation and escalation of the conflict. The US president directed the Pentagon to assess American forces in the Middle East, and the European Union’s foreign affairs chief expressed regret over the situation.
Thousands of people protested in Iranian cities and Yemen to condemn the Israeli attacks. The strikes came after a speech by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the UN, where he refused calls for a ceasefire and declared Israel’s determination to fight. UN Secretary General António Guterres reiterated the need for a ceasefire in the region.
The situation remains volatile, with fears of further violence and escalation in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, urging restraint and a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
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