Israel launched an airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburbs Friday, marking the first attack on Lebanon’s capital since a ceasefire ended the Israel-Hezbollah war in November. The strike targeted what Israel described as a Hezbollah drone storage facility in Dahiyeh, a stronghold of the Iran-backed militant group.
As per the report by the Associated Press, reporters on the ground heard a loud explosion and saw smoke rising from the area, which is both a residential and commercial hub near two schools. Israel’s military claimed Hezbollah uses civilian areas as cover and said it had warned residents to evacuate before the strike.
Rising tensions across the border
The attack followed Israeli warnings to evacuate parts of Beirut’s suburbs after rocket strikes from Lebanon hit northern Israel. Hezbollah denied responsibility for the rocket fire and accused Israel of escalating violence under false pretenses.
“If there is no peace in Israel’s northern communities, there will be no peace in Beirut,” Israel’s Defense Minister warned, reinforcing Israel’s readiness to retaliate.
In response, Lebanon’s government ordered the closure of all schools and universities in the affected areas, with residents seen fleeing on foot and in vehicles. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, speaking from Paris, condemned the strike as a violation of the France- and U.S.-brokered ceasefire.
Civilian casualties and regional fallout
Beyond Beirut, Israeli strikes on the southern Lebanese village of Kfar Tibnit killed three people and injured 18 others, including women and children, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.
UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert called the exchange of fire “deeply concerning,” warning that the region is at a critical juncture.
The conflict stems from Hezbollah’s involvement following Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which killed around 1,200 people and led to the capture of 251 hostages. Since then, over 50,000 people have died in Gaza due to Israel’s retaliatory offensive, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
Israel has pledged to continue military action until Hamas releases the remaining 59 hostages and surrenders power. Hamas, in turn, demands a permanent ceasefire, prisoner exchanges, and Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza.
Despite the ceasefire agreement, Israel has maintained a presence in several Lebanese territories and conducted regular strikes, including last week’s air raids that killed six people.
