Israeli airstrike Beirut/ Lebanon-Israel conflict/ Hezbollah retaliation/ Resolution 1701/ Beirut casualties/ Newslooks/ BEIRUT/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ An Israeli airstrike hit Beirut’s Zoqaq al-Blat neighborhood late Monday, causing significant casualties near key government and diplomatic buildings. The strike follows reports of delayed U.S.-mediated ceasefire talks and comes amid escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. Lebanese officials and international bodies call for adherence to Resolution 1701 to end the violence.
Israeli Airstrike Targets Central Beirut Amid Mounting Tensions
Key Points:
- Strike Details: Israeli missiles struck the densely populated Zoqaq al-Blat neighborhood, close to Parliament, the prime minister’s office, and embassies.
- Casualties Reported: Ambulance sirens flooded the area, with significant casualties observed, though official figures remain unconfirmed.
- Context: This marks the second day of strikes on Beirut after a month-long pause. Sunday’s strikes in Ras el-Nabaa and Mar Elias killed multiple civilians, including a Hezbollah media spokesperson.
- Hezbollah Retaliates: Hezbollah launched dozens of projectiles into Israel, injuring several in Shfaram.
- Lebanon’s Response: Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati urged global powers to enforce UN Security Council Resolution 1701, calling for an end to Israeli aggression.
Israeli Airstrike Hits Central Beirut Near Parliament and Embassies
Deep Look: Escalation in Beirut as Israeli Strikes Intensify
Central Beirut Under Fire
In a marked escalation of violence, Israeli forces launched an airstrike late Monday on Beirut’s Zoqaq al-Blat neighborhood, a densely populated residential area housing displaced individuals from conflict zones. The area lies near critical government and diplomatic sites, including the U.N. headquarters, Parliament, and embassies, raising concerns about collateral damage in the heart of Lebanon’s capital.
Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported two missiles hitting the neighborhood, causing widespread destruction. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but official casualty numbers have not been released. Eyewitnesses described significant injuries and fatalities on the streets.
The Israeli military has not commented on the strike, and the intended target remains unclear.
Renewed Strikes on Beirut
This is the second consecutive day of Israeli strikes on central Beirut following a pause of more than a month. On Sunday, a strike in Ras el-Nabaa killed Hezbollah media spokesperson Mohammed Afif and six others, including a woman. Later, another strike in Mar Elias, a bustling commercial district, claimed four lives.
These strikes come as diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire have stalled, with reports indicating a delay in a U.S. envoy’s visit to mediate talks.
Lebanon’s Reaction
Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the strikes, calling on international powers to halt Israeli aggression and enforce U.N. Resolution 1701.
Adopted in 2006, Resolution 1701 aimed to establish a buffer zone in southern Lebanon and reduce hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. However, its implementation has faced obstacles, with both sides accusing each other of violations.
The resolution has re-emerged as a cornerstone of U.S.-led negotiations for a ceasefire. The proposal includes an Israeli withdrawal and the deployment of the Lebanese Army and UNIFIL, excluding Hezbollah, south of the Litani River.
Hezbollah Retaliates
In response to the strikes, Hezbollah launched a barrage of rockets into northern Israel. One rocket hit Shfaram, injuring six people, including one critically, and trapping a woman inside a building, according to Israeli emergency services.
The exchange underscores the intensifying conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which has seen 13 months of hostilities and escalating violence in southern Lebanon.
What’s Next?
As tensions escalate, international efforts to mediate a ceasefire become increasingly urgent. The continuation of airstrikes and retaliatory attacks risks further destabilizing the region and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Lebanon faces mounting pressure to navigate this volatile situation, with global attention now focused on diplomatic solutions to halt the violence.
