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Israel launches airstrike on Hezbollah stronghold in Beirut
Israel carried out its first airstrike on Beirut's southern suburbs since a ceasefire agreement was announced last month, targeting a senior Hezbollah commander. The attack, which occurred at approximately 20:00 local time (18:00 BST) on Tuesday, struck the Dahieh district, a known Hezbollah bastion. Social media images depicted large fires and significant structural damage to at least one building.
Netanyahu confirms strike, cites retaliation
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the operation, stating he personally authorized the strike against a commander of Hezbollah's elite Radwan Force. According to local media, members of the unit were gathered at the time of the attack. Netanyahu declared in a statement, "No terrorist is immune-Israel's long arm will reach every enemy and murderer." Hezbollah has yet to respond to the strike.
Ceasefire under strain as violence persists
The attack marks the first on Dahieh since a U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon was announced on April 16. Despite the agreement, both sides have continued exchanging fire, each accusing the other of violations. Israel has primarily targeted southern Lebanon, claiming to strike Hezbollah-linked infrastructure and personnel. The Lebanese health ministry reports over 120 deaths in the past week alone, including civilians, though it does not differentiate between combatants and non-combatants.
Humanitarian crisis deepens in Lebanon
Entire villages along Lebanon's southern border have been devastated, with rights groups warning that some Israeli actions may constitute war crimes. Israel maintains its military operations aim to establish a "Hezbollah-free security zone" to protect its northern communities. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has intensified rocket and drone attacks on Israeli troops in Lebanon and northern Israel. Last week, a drone strike killed an Israeli defense ministry contractor operating an excavator in southern Lebanon.
Diplomatic efforts stall as casualties rise
Hezbollah, which was not part of the ceasefire negotiations, initially signaled it would respect the deal if Israel did the same. However, the group has continued its attacks. Diplomatic talks, mediated by the U.S., remain at the ambassadorial level, with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun rejecting any near-term meeting with Netanyahu. Since March 2, Lebanon's health ministry reports over 2,700 deaths, while Israel has confirmed 16 soldiers and three civilians killed in the conflict.
Residents fear returning to Dahieh
Once a bustling and densely populated area, Dahieh now stands largely deserted. Residents cite ongoing airstrike threats as the primary reason for their reluctance to return, despite the ceasefire. The district's emptiness underscores the fragile state of the truce and the deepening humanitarian toll of the conflict.
