Beirut, Lebanon – The Israeli military escalated its airstrikes on Tuesday, targeting various locations in southern Lebanon and the suburbs of Beirut, intensifying the year-long conflict with no signs of abating. This marks a significant upsurge in violence following statements from Israeli officials indicating their refusal to consider a ceasefire until their strategic objectives are achieved.
Israeli forces launched over ten airstrikes focusing principally on Beirut’s southern districts, one of which resulted in significant casualties. These areas, including Al-Marwaniyah and Haret Hreik, frequently experience the brunt of such attacks due to their proximity to key Hezbollah strongholds.
The onslaught extended to other parts of southern Lebanon, where strikes in towns like Dbaal, Shebaa, and Srifa led to the destruction of multiple buildings and the deaths of several civilians. In the Nabatieh district alone, airstrikes targeted the localities of Tebnine, Kafr Jouz, Roumine, and Toul, culminating in at least one fatality and additional injuries.
Adding to the severity, residential areas were not spared. An Israeli strike on the outskirts of Tyre demolished a residential building, claiming three lives and injuring others. Concurrently, artillery and phosphorus shelling rained down on other regions including Shiheen and Alma el-Chaab, further aggravating the humanitarian situation.
This surge in military aggression follows a devastating event in Akkar, where an Israeli attack resulted in over 30 civilian deaths, including women and children. The Lebanese Ministry of Health highlighted the grim toll of the prolonged conflict, citing over 3,000 killed and approximately 14,000 injured since hostilities commenced.
In a pronounced response, Hezbollah escalated its military actions against Israel, launching rockets into northern Israeli settlements and successfully engaging Israeli drones over Lebanese airspace. Hezbollah’s operations aimed at solidifying its stance of resistance and solidarity with the Palestinians amidst ongoing Israeli offenses.
These developments occurred in the wake of statements from Israel’s newly appointed Security Minister Israel Katz, who during a meeting with the Israeli General Staff articulated a firm stance against a ceasefire. Katz outlined the prerequisites for peace from an Israeli perspective, emphasizing the disarmament of Hezbollah and security operations extending beyond the Litani River to ensure the safety of northern Israeli communities.
Contrasting Katz’s remarks, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar acknowledged some headway in ceasefire negotiations but reaffirmed the continuing state of conflict with Hezbollah.
Hezbollah, for its part, expressed preparedness for a sustained battle. Secretary-General Naim Qassem vocally critiqued Israeli tactics and intentions in the region, likening them to previous occupations and underscoring Hezbollah’s commitment to resisting through military engagement.
As the violence continues to affect countless lives in Lebanon and the broader region, international reactions have been mixed, with calls for restraint and diplomatic engagement facing the stark reality of entrenched military stances on both sides. These developments suggest a prolonged conflict, deeply impacting regional stability and the humanitarian situation on the ground.