Israel launched significant airstrikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut early Monday morning. This came after Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group, retaliated by firing missiles and drones toward Israel. This attack was in response to the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Around 3 a.m., the blasts startled residents throughout the capital. The explosions rocked buildings and could be heard miles away. In southern Lebanon, warplanes rumbled overhead as airstrikes affected broad areas, causing extensive damage and injuries, with at least 31 casualties reported by Lebanon’s health ministry.
In retaliation, Hezbollah struck the Mishmar al-Karmel missile defense site near Haifa, asserting it was in defense of Lebanon. Israel responded swiftly, targeting what it claimed were Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley, indicating that some senior Hezbollah officers had been killed in these strikes.
The Israeli military’s chief, Lt Gen Eyal Zamir, stated that Hezbollah would bear the consequences for any escalation. Meanwhile, evacuation orders were issued for 55 towns in southern Lebanon, urging residents to move at least a kilometer away from suspected Hezbollah positions. As tensions rose, Israel called up 100,000 reservists, many positioned along the Lebanon border.
Many residents fled Dahieh, taking to cars and footpaths to escape the airstrikes. The highways around the capital soon became congested, with reports of traffic jams filled with vehicles navigating debris from the airstrikes. Videos online showed buildings in flames, and the sights of destroyed vehicles reminded people of the devastation from the past.
The haunting memories of the 2024 war between Israel and Hezbollah resurfaced for many. Back then, Israel bombarded southern Lebanon daily, resulting in nearly 4,000 fatalities and a million displaced. The fear of repeating history loomed large as families scrambled to evacuate, drawing parallels to that conflict.
The Lebanese government urgently condemned Hezbollah’s attack on Israel. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam emphasized the importance of not dragging the nation into further conflict. He stated that the recent rocket fire jeopardizes Lebanon’s safety and gives Israel reasons for continued aggression.
Public sentiment on social media reflected anxiety and frustration. Many users voiced concern over Hezbollah’s unilateral actions and the potential for widespread conflict, worrying about the ramifications on civilian life and national stability.
In summary, this latest escalation in conflict highlights the fragile state of security in the region. Former Israeli intelligence officers note that such confrontations could spiral into broader wars, drawing in various factions and nations. With the stakes this high, the situation remains tense, leaving many to hope for a peaceful resolution.
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