Amidst rising tensions in the Middle East, Israeli airstrikes have targeted the heart of Beirut, killing at least six people. The strikes hit several sites associated with Hezbollah, a Shiite political and militant group, including a health facility in the Bashoura district. This area, near the UN headquarters and other key government buildings, has become a focal point in the ongoing conflict.
The attacks have heightened fears of a broader regional conflict, especially following the October 7th assault by Hamas on Israel. Hezbollah has responded with rocket attacks, claiming to have destroyed Israeli tanks and forced a helicopter to retreat. These developments have resulted in significant casualties, with over 1,900 people killed and 1.2 million displaced across Lebanon.
International reactions have been cautious yet concerned. President Biden has called for a 'proportional' response and opposed any Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, while the G7 has stressed the importance of a diplomatic solution. Meanwhile, the use of white phosphorus bombs by Israel, as alleged by Lebanon's National News Agency and human rights groups, has drawn additional scrutiny.
The ongoing conflict has brought devastation to Beirut's southern suburbs, traditionally strongholds of Hezbollah. The area now faces nightly bombardments, creating a ghostly landscape of craters and ruins. These events underline the fragile state of the region, as residents navigate the dangers of an escalating conflict and the international community grapples with finding a peaceful resolution.
