Lebanon continues to experience dark times, under the intensification of Israeli attacks. In the past 24 hours, the southern suburbs of Beirut, a densely populated area considered a Hezbollah stronghold, have been the target of several airstrikes. Explosions rocked the neighborhoods of Haret Hreik, Burj al-Barajneh, and Rweiss, causing extensive material damage and causing several civilian casualties.
Last night was particularly marked by a new wave of Israeli bombing on the southern suburbs of Beirut. According to the Lebanese authorities, these strikes caused the death of several civilians, while dozens of others were injured. A residential building was totally destroyed in Burj al-Barajneh, raising fears that the death toll could rise as rescue teams work to find possible survivors under the rubble.
The number of Israeli attacks has reached an alarming peak: more than 153 airstrikes in just 24 hours. Areas in southern Lebanon, including Nabatieh, Khiam, and Kfarkila, were also targeted. The shelling hit hospitals, health centres, as well as critical infrastructure, worsening an already catastrophic humanitarian situation. Lebanon’s health ministry has confirmed the death of 2011 people since the start of hostilities, with more than 9,500 injured. The Lebanese Red Crescent deplored the loss of several staff members in strikes on ambulances on duty.
Intensification of firefights
On the ground, Hezbollah has intensified its rocket fire in the direction of northern Israel, particularly towards the areas of Wadi Ara and Safed. Direct clashes also took place on the southern border, particularly near the villages of Maroun al-Ras and Yaroun. The Shiite group has claimed responsibility for several attacks on Israeli positions, claiming to have inflicted heavy losses on the Israeli army.
Israeli responses were not long in coming. Israeli drones targeted vehicles and homes suspected of sheltering Hezbollah cadres in southern Lebanon. In Saadnayel, in the Bekaa Valley, an Israeli raid destroyed a house, causing the death of a citizen. In the Al-Badawi Palestinian refugee camp in Tripoli, an airstrike killed several members of the same family, sparking outrage and amplifying popular anger.
Disastrous humanitarian consequences
The humanitarian situation in Lebanon is critical. The incessant shelling has severely affected the health sector. Several hospitals have had to shut down operations, while others are operating with reduced staff and limited resources. Health Minister Firas Abiad called for international help, stressing that the stocks of medicines would only be sufficient for the next four months. « International law is ignored, » he lamented, calling on allied countries to support Lebanon’s medical infrastructure.
The refugee camps, already overcrowded before the conflict escalated, have become regular targets of Israeli strikes. Local authorities and humanitarian NGOs now fear a rapid spread of diseases, as hygiene conditions deteriorate more and more every day.
Diplomatic attempts: an uncertain status quo
On the diplomatic front, efforts to achieve a ceasefire face considerable obstacles. The arrival of the Iranian foreign minister in Damascus reinforces the impression that Hezbollah’s allies are preparing for an escalation of the conflict. The international community remains divided on how to intervene. While some European countries, such as France, are calling for de-escalation, the United States has not yet exerted sufficient pressure on Israel to stop the strikes. For its part, Israel justifies its actions by invoking the need to destroy the military infrastructure of Hezbollah, which it accuses of using ambulances to transport weapons.
Lebanese President Michel Aoun has convened an emergency meeting with the country’s top political leaders to try to coordinate a national response to the Israeli aggression. However, internal divisions in Lebanon, particularly between the different political factions, make it difficult for a unified position to emerge. While some believe that Hezbollah must continue to respond militarily to Israeli attacks, others call for caution, fearing that the country is being dragged into a devastating war.
Regional and international reactions
The Israeli strikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut have drawn international condemnation, including from Arab countries and humanitarian organizations. The Arab League secretary-general denounced « the systematic Israeli aggression against innocent civilians, » calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities. Turkey and Qatar also condemned the Israeli actions and urged the international community to intervene to protect the civilian populations in Lebanon and Gaza.
On the other hand, Israel maintains that these strikes are justified by the threats posed by Hezbollah and its allies. Israel insists that the southern suburbs of Beirut are home to Hezbollah military command centers, legitimizing targeted strikes on these areas. The Israeli army said it would continue to strike as long as Hezbollah launched rockets into its territory.
Fear of regional escalation
The situation in Lebanon is intrinsically linked to the broader regional dynamics. Israeli strikes in Syria, rising tensions with Iran, and intensifying fighting in Gaza have raised fears of regional escalation. According to diplomatic sources, Israel is considering expanding its operations to the whole of Lebanon, or even to Iranian targets, if rocket and missile attacks from Lebanese and Syrian territory continue.
Iran, a major ally of Hezbollah, has stepped up its support by delivering weapons to the Lebanese group via ground and air convoys from Syria. This escalation could cause a chain reaction, involving other regional actors, such as Turkey and Russia, which have their own interests in Syria and Lebanon.
