Israeli Air Strikes Hit Beirut, 11 Killed in Targeted Attack
2024-10-13 04:53- Israeli air strikes on October 10, 2024, targeted two neighborhoods in central Beirut, resulting in 11 deaths and 48 injuries.
- The strikes hit densely populated areas where many displaced people had sought refuge, reportedly aiming at a senior Hezbollah official.
- The incident highlights escalating tensions in the region and the ongoing humanitarian crisis affecting many families.
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Insights
On October 10, 2024, Israeli air strikes targeted two neighborhoods in central Beirut, Lebanon, resulting in the deaths of 11 individuals and injuring 48 others, as reported by local witnesses and the Lebanese Health Ministry. The strikes specifically hit the Noueiri residential area and the Basta quarter, both densely populated regions where many displaced people had sought refuge after evacuating from southern Lebanon. The attacks were reportedly aimed at a senior Hezbollah official, Wafic Safa, along with other officials, although Hezbollah has not confirmed these claims. The strikes caused significant destruction, with one building completely destroyed and emergency services working to rescue trapped residents. This incident marks the third air strike on Beirut in recent weeks, indicating a rising tension in the region and a potential escalation in the conflict involving Hezbollah and Israeli forces. The situation remains precarious as the humanitarian impact continues to unfold, with many families affected by the violence and displacement.
Contexts
The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has escalated dramatically since the onset of the war on Gaza last October. Reports from Beirut indicate that the situation has devolved into a full-blown war, with both sides exchanging fire across the Lebanese-Israeli border. The recent Israeli airstrike that reportedly killed Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, has intensified the hostilities, leading to a series of retaliatory attacks by Hezbollah. The Israeli military has claimed responsibility for targeting numerous Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, resulting in significant casualties among Hezbollah members. Hezbollah's military capabilities have grown substantially since its inception in the 1980s, particularly during the Lebanese Civil War. By 1985, the group had successfully forced Israeli forces to retreat to the Litani River, establishing a so-called 'security zone' that was policed by the South Lebanon Army, an Israeli proxy. Over the years, Hezbollah has transformed from a militant group into a significant political force in Lebanon, holding a substantial number of seats in the Lebanese parliament and maintaining a powerful armed presence. The 2006 July War marked a pivotal moment in the conflict, with Hezbollah's cross-border raid resulting in the deaths of Israeli soldiers and a subsequent Israeli invasion of southern Lebanon. The war caused widespread devastation, displacing thousands and resulting in significant civilian casualties on both sides. Despite the destruction, Hezbollah claimed victory, further solidifying its influence in Lebanon. As of October 2024, the ongoing exchanges of fire have left communities on both sides devastated, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. The assassination of key Hezbollah figures, including Nasrallah, has raised concerns about the future of the group and the broader implications for regional stability. With tensions running high, the prospect of a peaceful resolution seems increasingly distant.
