A massive explosion illuminated the night sky over south Beirut early Sunday as Israeli forces launched a series of intense airstrikes aimed at Hezbollah, marking nearly a year since the eruption of the Gaza conflict.
With the anniversary of Hamas’s October 7 attack approaching, Israeli troops were on high alert, having redirected their focus toward Hezbollah, an Iran-backed ally in Lebanon, following a devastating year-long war in Gaza.
The National News Agency of Lebanon reported over 30 strikes hitting Hezbollah’s stronghold in south Beirut, with targets including a petrol station, causing reverberations felt throughout the city.
The Israeli military confirmed it conducted strikes targeting several weapons storage facilities and infrastructure, emphasizing efforts taken to reduce civilian harm.
Footage revealed a significant fireball over a residential area, with echoes of explosions resonating in the aftermath. In the hard-hit Sabra area, many residents fled amid one of the most severe bombardments in the ongoing conflict.
In response to Israeli movements, Hezbollah announced it targeted Israeli forces with artillery, coinciding with attempts to evacuate casualties from the conflict zone. The group also reported launching assault drones against an Israeli military installation.
Amid heightening tensions, a spokesperson for the Israeli military announced increased troop readiness in anticipation of possible attacks as the anniversary approaches. The previous year’s attacks by Palestinian militants resulted in over 1,200 casualties, primarily among civilians.
Despite shifting focus to Hezbollah, Israel’s military offensive against Hamas continues in Gaza. Since launching targeted ground operations in southern Lebanon on Monday, Israeli forces claim to have killed approximately 440 Hezbollah fighters.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog highlighted Iran’s ongoing threat following a missile attack on Israel that reportedly resulted in one Palestinian casualty and damaged military infrastructure. This attack comes amid Israel’s intensified operations in Lebanon, which have drawn heavy international concerns.
As the military landscape evolves, analysts indicate that Hezbollah has experienced communication disruptions, potentially impacting their command structure following targeted airstrikes in Beirut. The ongoing conflict has created a humanitarian crisis, with over 1,110 reported deaths in Lebanon and significant infrastructure damage.
The United Nations refugee agency has warned that the situation in Lebanon is dire, with many left destitute due to the continuous airstrikes. Reports indicate that at least four hospitals have ceased operations amid the escalating violence.
International leaders are advocating for ceasefires and a resolution to the ongoing hostilities, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian assistance amid a worsening crisis. As pro-Palestinian demonstrations unfold globally in light of the anniversary, the call for peace remains critical as the region grapples with a precarious situation.
