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Wednesday, Apr 02, 2025
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Israel Launches Airstrikes in Beirut Following Ceasefire with Hezbollah
Israeli military targets southern suburbs as tensions rise after recent hostilities.
On March 28, 2025, Israel conducted airstrikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut, marking the first such military action since a ceasefire agreement was reached with the militant group Hezbollah in late November 2024. The strikes resulted in visible plumes of smoke rising from the Dahiyeh area, prompting immediate concern among local residents.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the strikes were indicative of Israel's commitment to defending its communities, asserting, "We will not allow firing on our communities, not even a trickle." He emphasized that Israel would take action against any threat originating from Lebanon, pledging to ensure the safety of its citizens in the northern regions.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported targeting a drone storage facility within a Hezbollah stronghold.
However, the area struck was residential, located near schools and commercial establishments.
The IDF maintains that Hezbollah combats its operations from civilian locations, using the local populace as human shields.
Prior to the airstrikes, warnings were issued by the Israeli military, advising residents of certain southern Beirut neighborhoods to evacuate due to imminent retaliation for rocket fire directed at northern Israel from Lebanon.
In response to the escalating violence, Lebanese authorities closed schools and universities in affected areas, specifically in the suburb of Hadath.
Eyewitness accounts from the southern suburbs described the sounds of gunfire and the hurried exodus of residents fleeing in vehicles and on foot.
These events follow a series of airstrikes conducted by Israel in Lebanon over recent weeks, which had resulted in multiple casualties, including six fatalities from attacks reported the week before.
Prior engagements between Israel and Hezbollah have remained frequent despite the ceasefire.
Tensions have recently soared following Israel's military operations in Gaza, where an estimated 400 individuals, including children, were reported killed amid intensified strikes.
Israel has expressed that negotiations with Hamas cannot proceed until all hostages taken on October 7 are returned.
This latest escalation raises significant concerns regarding the stability of the ceasefire and the potential for further conflict in the region.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the strikes were indicative of Israel's commitment to defending its communities, asserting, "We will not allow firing on our communities, not even a trickle." He emphasized that Israel would take action against any threat originating from Lebanon, pledging to ensure the safety of its citizens in the northern regions.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported targeting a drone storage facility within a Hezbollah stronghold.
However, the area struck was residential, located near schools and commercial establishments.
The IDF maintains that Hezbollah combats its operations from civilian locations, using the local populace as human shields.
Prior to the airstrikes, warnings were issued by the Israeli military, advising residents of certain southern Beirut neighborhoods to evacuate due to imminent retaliation for rocket fire directed at northern Israel from Lebanon.
In response to the escalating violence, Lebanese authorities closed schools and universities in affected areas, specifically in the suburb of Hadath.
Eyewitness accounts from the southern suburbs described the sounds of gunfire and the hurried exodus of residents fleeing in vehicles and on foot.
These events follow a series of airstrikes conducted by Israel in Lebanon over recent weeks, which had resulted in multiple casualties, including six fatalities from attacks reported the week before.
Prior engagements between Israel and Hezbollah have remained frequent despite the ceasefire.
Tensions have recently soared following Israel's military operations in Gaza, where an estimated 400 individuals, including children, were reported killed amid intensified strikes.
Israel has expressed that negotiations with Hamas cannot proceed until all hostages taken on October 7 are returned.
This latest escalation raises significant concerns regarding the stability of the ceasefire and the potential for further conflict in the region.
