Israel Strikes Beirut in Retaliation for Rocket Attacks
On Friday, Israel launched an attack on Beirut, Lebanon's capital, for the first time since a ceasefire ended the latest Israel-Hezbollah war in November 2023. The strike targeted a Hezbollah drone storage facility in Dahiyeh, a residential and commercial area close to schools.
The attack came in retaliation for rockets fired from Lebanon into northern Israel. Israel's military warned residents to evacuate the area beforehand, claiming Hezbollah uses civilians as human shields. Israeli officials vowed to continue strikes on Beirut unless Lebanon's government prevents such attacks.
Hezbollah denied firing the rockets and accused Israel of seeking a pretext to continue attacking Lebanon. The Lebanese government ordered schools and universities in the affected area to close for the day, and residents fled the area.
This incident marks a continuation of the Israel-Hezbollah conflict that began in October 2023 when Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel following an attack on southern Israel by its Hamas allies. The conflict escalated into all-out war, killing thousands and displacing tens of thousands.
Under the ceasefire agreement, Israeli forces were supposed to withdraw from Lebanese territory by February 2024. However, Israel has remained in five border locations and carried out dozens of strikes on alleged Hezbollah targets.
The Beirut strike has drawn international condemnation. French President Emmanuel Macron called the attack "unacceptable" and promised to address it with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump. The US State Department called on Lebanon's government to disarm the terrorists responsible for the rocket attacks.
The UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon expressed concern about the escalation, calling it a "critical period for Lebanon and the wider region."
Meanwhile, Israel's offensive in Gaza continues, with the death toll exceeding 50,000. Israel demands Hamas return hostages, disarm, and send its leaders into exile, while Hamas insists on prisoner exchange, a lasting ceasefire, and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
8 Comments
Manolo Noriega
Displacing thousands of innocent families is not "retaliation", it's barbarity! Israel must be held accountable for its inhumane treatment of Palestinians and Lebanese alike.
Fuerza
Hezbollah using civilians as human shields is a despicable tactic. Israel has a moral obligation to protect its people, even in the face of such manipulation.
Manolo Noriega
How many more ceasefires will be broken before the world understands Israel has no interest in peace? This is just another cycle of violence they're perpetuating.
Ongania
Israel's continuous occupation of Lebanese territory is the root cause of this conflict. Until they withdraw fully, there will be no lasting peace.
Manolo Noriega
Israel's continued presence in some border locations is necessary to deter further Hezbollah aggression. They are the key to preventing future conflict.
Leonardo
The media's biased portrayal of this conflict needs to stop. Human rights violations and war crimes should be called out regardless of who commits them.
Michelangelo
Holding the Lebanese government responsible for the actions of Hezbollah is beyond absurd. Israel is the aggressor here, not the victim.
Donatello
The hypocrisy of the US and other countries supporting Israel while condemning Lebanon is sickening. This is just another example of how they prioritize Israel's interests over the lives of innocent people.