Israel intensified its military campaign in Lebanon on Thursday, launching an airstrike near Beirut for the second time in weeks and pounding southern areas, despite a fragile ceasefire that has been repeatedly violated. The escalation comes as both sides prepare for crucial talks in Washington.
Strike in Choueifat
Israel's air force carried out a precise strike in the Choueifat area on the edge of Beirut's southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold, according to the Israeli military. A Lebanese military source, speaking anonymously, confirmed that an apartment building was hit. AFPTV footage showed smoke rising from the area, and an AFP correspondent reported damage to the first two floors of a residential building, with residents packing cars and leaving. It was the second Israeli strike on south Beirut since the ceasefire took effect on April 17.
Ceasefire Violations
The ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah has never been fully observed, with both sides accusing each other of violations. Hezbollah claimed around 20 attacks on Israeli troops in south Lebanon on Thursday, including rocket and drone strikes. Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, expressed deep concern and called for respect of the truce. The UNIFIL peacekeeping force reported that Wednesday saw around 670 projectiles fired, the highest level since April 17.
Casualties and Destruction
Lebanon's health ministry reported that Israeli attacks since the ceasefire have killed 3,324 people, an increase of 55 in one day. Thursday's strikes killed at least 14 people, including three children. Israel's army claimed that approximately 2,500 Hezbollah terrorists have been eliminated since March, including 800 after the ceasefire. An Israeli military official said around 400 explosive drones had been launched at Israeli targets since the truce.
Expansion of Combat Zones
On Wednesday, Israel declared all areas south of the Zahrani River, including Tyre and Nabatieh, as combat zones and ordered residents to evacuate, vowing to ramp up operations. Lebanon's National News Agency reported deadly strikes on multiple locations, including a mosque destroyed in Nabatieh.
Strikes on Tyre and Sidon
Israeli airstrikes hit Tyre and Sidon early Thursday. AFP footage showed a fireball as a strike hit a building in Tyre's archaeological district. Resident Ghazouane Halawani said he believed Israel wanted to attack the city's history and civilization, vowing to stay. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the attacks as collective punishment, saying nothing justifies the destruction of historical landmarks.
Civilian and Military Casualties
Lebanon's health ministry said a strike in Tyre killed two Syrians, including a child, and another in Sidon killed five people, including two women. A strike on a vehicle in Adloun killed six, including two children and their parents. Lebanon's military reported a soldier killed while driving in the Nabatieh region.
Broader Context
Lebanon was drawn into the Middle East war after Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel following the killing of Iran's supreme leader in US-Israeli attacks. Iran has insisted any agreement to end the broader conflict must apply to Lebanon. Talks between military delegations are set for Friday at the Pentagon, with US-brokered negotiations early next week.
