In brief
Israel conducted a series of airstrikes in Beirut's densely populated southern suburbs, heightening tensions in an already volatile region where Hezbollah operates.
Israel launched significant airstrikes on Thursday in the southern suburbs of Beirut targeting alleged drone production facilities operated by Hezbollah. This marked one of the most intense bombardments on the area since a cease-fire initiated by the U.S. in November, which aimed to end a prolonged period of conflict in Lebanon. The Israeli military accused Hezbollah of constructing these sites within civilian areas, claiming it violates the terms of the cease-fire. Before the bombing, Israel urged residents to evacuate three neighborhoods in the Dahiya area. The Lebanese military intervened, attempting to inspect flagged buildings to prevent the strikes, while also reaching out to the U.S.-led monitoring committee for support. Both Israel and Lebanon have accused one another of not adhering to the cease-fire agreement, raising concerns about continued escalations in military actions.
