Reports indicate that Israeli forces have carried out airstrikes in southern Lebanon and the suburbs of Beirut, resulting in the deaths of at least five medics and the destruction of a multistorey building. Ground troops have also engaged in clashes with Hezbollah fighters in the south.
According to Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA), Israeli warplanes launched attacks on Friday on two buildings in Beirut’s southern suburbs. One missile hit an 11-storey building that housed various establishments, causing it to collapse and ignite a fire in the densely populated area.
The NNA also reported that residents evacuated from nearby neighborhoods after Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee issued a warning on social media about striking “Hezbollah facilities and interests” in Chiyah. Evacuation orders were also given for Haret Hreik and Ghobeiry areas.
Further strikes were reported in south Beirut, with thick smoke rising from the vicinity of the Lebanese University in the Hadath neighborhood.
On the ground, Israeli troops entered the village of Deir Mimas in southern Lebanon for the first time, while Hezbollah fighters targeted Israeli soldiers with rockets and artillery. The Israeli military has been advancing along the border, particularly in the town of Khiam.
Additionally, Israeli fighter jets launched strikes on alleged Hezbollah targets in Tyre, resulting in fatalities among healthcare workers from the Islamic Health Organization in southern Lebanon.
Al Jazeera’s Zeina Khodr reported from Beirut, stating that the conflict appeared to be intensifying, especially after a failed attempt by the US administration to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
Israel presses ground, air attacks
Amidst the escalating violence, four Italian soldiers with the United Nations peacekeeping mission were wounded when rockets hit a UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) base in the village of Chamaa. Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the attacks and called for the safety of UNIFIL soldiers to be guaranteed.
Since Israel initiated its ground offensive in southern Lebanon, UNIFIL soldiers have faced multiple attacks, leading to concerns about their safety and security.
UN peacekeepers under fire
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has resulted in thousands of casualties, with ongoing airstrikes and ground operations causing immense destruction and loss of life.
