Israeli airstrikes have once again shaken Lebanon's capital, Beirut, as tension continues to mount over the conflict involving Israel and Hezbollah. Late Monday evening, the city was rocked by missiles targeting the Zoqaq al-Blat neighborhood, which lies close to key governmental institutions including the U.N. headquarters, Lebanon's parliament, and the prime minister's office.
This latest strike, reportedly killing at least five individuals and injuring 24 more, has come amid heightened military activity from Israel, which has intensified its bombardments since late September. Israeli forces have aimed to significantly weaken Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed group which has been involved in cross-border attacks as part of its support for Palestinians during the recent war in Gaza.
On Tuesday, discussions were set to take place between Lebanese officials and U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein, as part of efforts toward establishing a cease-fire. Lebanon’s Parliament Speaker, Nabih Berri—a close ally of Hezbollah—has been mediatiing these conversations, which aim to halt the violence and facilitate the removal of Israeli ground forces from Lebanon.
Lebanese Labor Minister Mostafa Bayram, after his meeting with Berri, expressed optimism about cooperating with U.S. proposals. He confirmed Lebanon's intent to share its “positive position” on the cease-fire initiatives. These efforts take on added urgency as conflict-related displacement pressures continue to rise, with many displaced individuals seeking refuge in areas of central Beirut now considered dangerous.
Though the Israeli military has yet to specify its targets within the strikes, the lack of prior warnings has raised significant concerns among local officials and the civilian population. Many residents, who previously thought of central Beirut as safe, were drawn to nearby hastily set up shelters as sirens blared across the city.
The aftermath of the airstrike resulted in scenes of chaos—an Associated Press photographer observed numerous casualties lying on the streets, underscoring the severe toll of the attack on innocent lives.
Just a day prior, another Israeli strike near Ras el-Nabaa claimed the life of Hezbollah's media spokesperson, along with five other individuals, with this latest attack marking the second consecutive day of bombardment on Beirut after more than one month of relative calm.
Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the incessant assaults, calling on international powers to intervene and adhere to the resolutions set out by the U.N., particularly citing Resolution 1701 which originally aimed to mitigate conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
This U.N. resolution was enacted following the 2006 war between the two factions, and it has made efforts to stabilize the region since its inception, albeit with uneven results. Currently, the situation surrounding Resolution 1701 is being reevaluated as part of U.S. mediation strategies.
Israel, on the other hand, maintains its stance of retaining military capabilities against Hezbollah, asserting its right to continue operations to counter threats posed by the militant group. Spokesperson David Mencer stated clearly, “The military campaign will continue until the immediate threat from Lebanon is removed.”
On Monday, Hezbollah retaliated, launching multiple projectiles toward Israel, which resulted in casualties on the Israeli side as well; reports indicate at least one individual was killed and ten others injured from rocket fire hitting the northern Israeli city of Shfaram.
This conflict has claimed numerous lives, with Lebanese Health Ministry statistics reporting over 3,500 fatalities due to Israeli fire since the inception of increased hostilities. Conversely, Israel has reported losses of 77 people, including soldiers, attributed to Hezbollah’s offensive actions. The toll of the conflict paints a dire picture of the human cost associated with these hostilities.
While the United States seeks to engage both sides toward establishing conditions for peace, the involved parties remain entrenched, with both sides expressing reluctance to make concessions necessary for lasting resolutions. This persistent stalemate leaves many Lebanese citizens fearing for their safety and future as airstrikes and retaliatory rocket fire continue to shape their everyday lives.
