Smoke billowed from Beirut’s southern suburbs on Saturday morning following a series of intense Israeli airstrikes overnight, leaving the streets deserted after the area was heavily targeted. The attacks aimed at Hezbollah targets by Israeli fighter jets continued into the early hours of Saturday, with the army urging residents to evacuate buildings designated for strikes.
Prior to the airstrikes, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the United Nations, reiterating Israel’s resolve to confront Hezbollah, dimming hopes for a potential cease-fire. Netanyahu cut short his visit to the U.S. and returned to Israel, signaling the gravity of the situation. The conflict has already claimed over 720 lives in Lebanon since escalating earlier in the week, according to the country’s health ministry.
The United Nations reported a stark increase in the number of displaced individuals from southern Lebanon, surpassing 211,000 people seeking refuge. The escalating violence has forced the closure of at least 20 primary health care centers in heavily affected areas. Hezbollah’s actions supporting Hamas in Israel have resulted in retaliatory strikes, with Israeli officials warning of further devastation if attacks persist, echoing the destruction witnessed in Gaza earlier.
Amid the turmoil, Lebanon’s Health Ministry issued a directive for hospitals in Beirut and Mount Lebanon to accommodate patients evacuated from the southern suburb, Dahiyeh, which bore the brunt of the recent Israeli airstrikes. The ministry urged medical facilities to prioritize care for those displaced by the violence, highlighting the urgent humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
In response to the escalating violence, Israel targeted Hezbollah positions surrounding Beirut early on Saturday, intensifying the already dire situation. Residents reported explosions and fires erupting in the city as Israeli jets roared overhead. The Israeli military claimed responsibility for the strikes on Hezbollah sites, although casualties were not immediately confirmed.
As the conflict rages on, reports emerged of Israel’s military eliminating a Hezbollah missile unit commander and his deputy in southern Lebanon earlier in the week. The strike targeted individuals allegedly involved in orchestrating attacks against Israel, further escalating tensions between the warring factions. Meanwhile, the United Nations raised concerns over the impact of the violence on critical infrastructure, including water facilities affecting thousands of people in vulnerable areas.
The situation in Lebanon remains volatile, with thousands fleeing their homes to seek safety from the relentless violence. The international community is closely monitoring the developments, as efforts to broker peace and alleviate the humanitarian crisis intensify amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.