Israeli Airstrikes Hit Beirut as Hezbollah Pledges Escalation

Israeli jets launched airstrikes early Wednesday on Beirut’s southern suburbs for the first time in six days, according to Lebanese state media. Israel claims it is targeting Hezbollah assets in these densely populated suburbs, known for both the militant group’s strong presence and their bustling residential and commercial zones. The casualty count remains unclear at this time.

Hezbollah Leader Vows Retaliation

Hezbollah’s acting leader, Sheikh Naim Kassem, declared Tuesday that the group would intensify attacks on Israel. His statement followed an Israeli airstrike on Monday that targeted an apartment building in northern Lebanon, killing at least 22 people. While Israel stated the strike targeted Hezbollah assets, the United Nations has called for an independent investigation into the attack.

Escalating Conflict

Israel’s offensive against Hezbollah has escalated significantly in recent weeks after more than a year of near-daily cross-border skirmishes. This situation mirrors the broader conflict with Hamas, which began over a year ago when Hamas-led militants breached Israel’s security fence, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the abduction of another 250.

Gaza Offensive

In Gaza, Israeli military operations continue to take a heavy toll. According to local health authorities, more than 42,000 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the offensive. However, these figures do not differentiate between combatants and civilians. The ongoing war has devastated Gaza, displacing nearly 90% of its 2.3 million residents and leveling vast areas of the territory.

Israel’s current focus has been on northern Gaza, where air and ground campaigns in Jabaliya have been underway for over a week, leaving many families trapped and unable to flee their shelters.

U.S. Warning to Israel

As the conflict intensifies, the Biden administration has issued a clear warning to Israel. The U.S. is urging Israel to increase the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, setting a 30-day deadline for compliance. Failure to meet this demand could lead to the suspension of U.S. weapons funding, a crucial component of Israel’s military operations.

The conflict remains volatile, with both sides poised for further escalations, while diplomatic resolutions seem increasingly distant.