Israeli forces carried out more than 30 air raids overnight on Beirut’s southern suburbs in what Lebanese media called the most violent night of attacks since Israel’s military offensive against Lebanon began. The bombings resulted in massive explosions, with plumes of smoke rising across the city. After a yearlong war in Gaza, Israel has now turned its focus northwards to Hezbollah, a Lebanon-based group allied with Hamas. At least 30 strikes hit a Hezbollah stronghold in south Beirut, targeting a petrol station and hotel near Rafic Hariri international airport. The number of casualties is currently unknown.
Al Jazeera’s Ali Hashem reported an escalating intensity of bombings in Beirut, likening the situation to that in Gaza. Thousands of residents are seeking shelter in the city centre, overwhelmed by the bombardments. The attacks came after Hezbollah lost contact with senior leader Hashem Safieddine, with fears he may have been killed in Israeli strikes. In retaliation, Hezbollah launched rockets and missiles at Israeli soldiers in northern Israel, also claiming attacks on troops attempting to infiltrate Lebanon. Israel has expanded its operations in southern Lebanon, resulting in at least nine soldiers killed. The first strike in Tripoli killed a senior leader of Hamas’s armed wing, along with his family.
The situation remains tense as both sides continue to exchange fire, with the Lebanese government struggling to cope with the influx of displaced residents seeking refuge from the ongoing violence.
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Photo credit www.aljazeera.com