Israeli forces launched multiple airstrikes on Hezbollah strongholds in southern Beirut, including one near Lebanon’s only international airport on Thursday. The strikes followed warnings by the Israeli military for residents to evacuate specific areas of southern Beirut, including Burj al-Barajneh, Laylaki, and Haret Hreik, where Hezbollah facilities are located.
Also Thursday, a drone strike injured five United Nations (U.N.) peacekeepers and three Lebanese soldiers near Sidon in southern Lebanon. The U.N., which did not identify the source of the drone, called on all parties to protect its personnel and urged an end to hostilities.
A lot of explosions, smoke, and fire. Air Force strikes at Beirut International Airport:
Rafik Al Hariri 💥💥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/pDH5TuEtKe— shoko 007 (@SYaacobi) November 7, 2024
The recent attacks follow earlier Israeli strikes across Lebanon on Wednesday, which reportedly killed 52 people and injured 161, according to Lebanon’s Ministry of Health.
Since the conflict intensified in September, over 3,100 people in Lebanon have died, and more than 13,800 have been injured. Israeli authorities report that Hezbollah has launched about 120 projectiles into Israel from southern Lebanon.
In a Wednesday speech, Hezbollah’s Secretary General Naim Kassem said the group would consider cease-fire negotiations only if Israel halted its air campaign. He emphasized Hezbollah’s intention to continue fighting and promised more attacks if Israel persisted.
Meanwhile, Israel has expanded its ground operations in northern Gaza, focusing on the town of Beit Lahiya, where Hamas militants are thought to be regrouped. Israel has also issued evacuation orders to civilians in northern Gaza. U.N. officials report that 14,000 displaced Palestinians are now staying in shelters across Gaza, and humanitarian groups face challenges bringing aid into the area. Only limited medical supplies have entered Gaza since an Israeli siege began more than a month ago.
