Hezbollah Launches Rocket Barrages On Israel Following Beirut Strikes.
Tensions in the Middle East escalated as Hezbollah launched approximately 250 rockets into Israel from Lebanon, marking one of the heaviest bombardments since hostilities surged in September. The attack injured several people and caused significant damage to buildings in northern and central Israel, with some areas near Tel Aviv affected.
The assault came in retaliation for an Israeli air strike on central Beirut on Saturday, which, according to Lebanon’s health ministry, resulted in the deaths of 29 people and injured many others. The strike reportedly targeted Mohammed Haydar, a senior Hezbollah official, though Israeli authorities have not confirmed this.
Hezbollah claimed responsibility for precision missile strikes on two military sites near Tel Aviv, fulfilling its earlier warning to respond to attacks on Beirut. Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that rockets had struck neighbourhoods, leaving “houses in flames and ruins.” Debris from the rockets was also reported in areas such as Haifa, Nahariya, and Petah Tikva.
In response, the IDF carried out airstrikes on 12 Hezbollah command centres in Dahieh, a Hezbollah stronghold in southern Beirut. Israeli authorities maintain that their military campaign against Hezbollah aims to secure northern communities and facilitate the return of approximately 60,000 displaced residents.
The conflict has taken a severe toll on Lebanon, with over 3,670 deaths and more than 15,400 injuries reported since October 2023. Lebanese authorities also state that more than one million people have been displaced due to the violence.
Amid the intensifying conflict, reports suggest progress towards a ceasefire agreement. Israeli and US officials have indicated that Israel has approved a US-proposed ceasefire deal with Lebanon, although some details remain unresolved. Observers remain cautiously optimistic about a resolution to the ongoing crisis.
As the situation develops, the international community continues to monitor the humanitarian impact on both sides, urging de-escalation and dialogue to prevent further casualties.
