On October 6, 2024, the Israeli military conducted five airstrikes targeting southern Beirut, with four of these strikes described as 'very violent' by Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA). This escalation follows a warning from the Israeli army for residents to evacuate the area, particularly from Hezbollah strongholds, advising them to move at least 500 meters away from designated buildings. The airstrikes also impacted surrounding areas such as Chweifat and Udaissa, resulting in reports of 25 deaths and over 120 injuries. Notably, the Lebanese Health Ministry did not differentiate between Hezbollah members and civilians in its casualty figures, raising concerns about the impact on non-combatants. [de67f71b]
This surge in violence comes amidst an ongoing conflict that has seen significant military actions from both sides. The U.S. State Department had previously issued a travel advisory on September 22, urging American citizens in Lebanon to leave due to escalating tensions between Hezbollah and Israel. This advisory highlighted the risks posed by commercial flight unavailability and the increasing violence, including recent explosions in Beirut. [5e6f18ae]
The Israeli airstrikes are part of a broader military campaign that began on September 21, 2024, targeting Hezbollah positions in response to perceived threats. Israeli forces have claimed to have destroyed Hezbollah tunnels and weapon caches, although these assertions remain unverified. The conflict has intensified since the onset of hostilities in Gaza in October 2023, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announcing an expansion of military objectives. [60aabbef]
In the wake of these developments, the situation remains precarious, with both sides engaging in heavy exchanges of fire. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have indicated that their operations are strategically focused, complicating efforts for diplomatic resolutions. As the conflict escalates, the safety of civilians in southern Lebanon continues to be a pressing concern. [2bfdf9f7]