Israel Launches Airstrike on Beirut, Lebanon, in Response to Drone Attacks

Israeli Forces Launch Raids in Lebanon, Displacing Civilians

The Israeli military has conducted air raids on Beirut’s southern suburbs, forcing the displacement of civilians in several areas. The strikes targeted “Hezbollah command centres and weapons storage facilities” according to a statement from the Israeli military.

The Lebanese government has issued forced displacement notices for 59 areas, including neighbourhoods in Dahiyeh, which have been affected by the raids. Civilians in Lebanon have faced displacement due to ongoing conflicts since 2023-24, with thousands of deaths and mass displacement reported.

Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for an attack on Israel’s Ramat David airbase, targeting radar sites and control rooms with a swarm of drones. The group stated that the attack was in retaliation against Israeli strikes in Lebanon.

On Monday, Israeli strikes on Beirut’s suburbs and southern Lebanon killed at least 52 people and injured 154, according to state-run media. The Lebanese government has declared Hezbollah’s military activities illegal and called upon security forces to prevent any attacks originating from Lebanese territory.

Hezbollah has responded to the declaration, stating that it is the government’s right to decide on war and peace. However, the group claims that the Lebanese government’s actions are unjustified due to its perceived weakness in addressing Israeli aggression.

The situation remains fluid, with ongoing conflicts and displacement reported in Lebanon.

Source: Al Jazeera