An airstrike has targeted central Beirut, resulting in the destruction of an apartment building and the deaths of three Palestinian militants. This attack underscores Israel's determination to convey that no area in Lebanon is safe from its military operations, particularly in light of recent developments that have significantly weakened Hezbollah's leadership.
In a significant escalation of conflict, Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have resulted in the deaths of seven senior commanders and officials from Hezbollah over the past week. Among those killed is the group's leader, Hassan Nasrallah. This surge in violence marks a critical moment in the ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, highlighting the intensity of the military operations in the region. The loss of these high-ranking officials is expected to have profound implications for Hezbollah's operations and strategy moving forward.
In a critical and precarious time for Lebanon, BBC Middle East Correspondent Hugo Bachega provides insights from Beirut, where the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have announced the death of a prominent Hezbollah leader. This development has heightened tensions in the region, raising concerns about potential repercussions and the stability of Lebanon amidst ongoing conflicts.
Israel is preparing for a ground invasion of Lebanon following a day marked by intense airstrikes. President Biden has acknowledged the potential for an "all-out war" in the region, while British Labour leader Keir Starmer has urged British citizens in Lebanon to evacuate immediately, stating, "The time to leave is now."
Panic erupted in Lebanon as civilians scrambled to escape the border regions during one of the deadliest days the country has seen in decades. Approximately 80,000 residents received urgent messages from Israeli authorities urging them to evacuate their homes. The situation escalated with two airstrikes hitting the capital, while hundreds more targeted southern towns, continuing throughout the night. The atmosphere was charged with fear and uncertainty as people sought safety amid the escalating violence.
The Israeli military has initiated a new series of strikes against Hezbollah, following evacuation warnings issued to residents in Lebanon. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) informed individuals living in or near structures where Hezbollah is believed to be concealing weapons to leave their homes. In a statement, the IDF confirmed that it is targeting locations associated with the Hezbollah terrorist organization in southern Lebanon. The military's actions come amid escalating tensions in the region, as they aim to dismantle what they describe as terror targets linked to Hezbollah.