A devastating Israeli airstrike on a suburb of Beirut has resulted in at least 37 deaths, including three children and seven women, according to the Lebanese health ministry. This attack marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, raising fears of a wider regional confrontation.
Reuters reports that Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group, confirmed 16 of its members were among the casualties. The group announced the deaths of two senior leaders: Ibrahim Aqil, described as “one of its top leaders,” and Ahmed Wahbi, a high-ranking commander who oversaw military operations of the elite Radwan forces during the Gaza war until early 2024.
According to Reuters, the Israeli military claimed the strike targeted an underground gathering of Aqil and senior Hezbollah commanders, asserting that it had “almost completely dismantled” Hezbollah’s military chain of command. This attack follows a series of incidents earlier in the week where communication devices used by Hezbollah members reportedly exploded, actions widely attributed to Israel.
Lebanese Transport Minister Ali Hamieh, speaking at the scene, told Reuters that at least 23 people were still missing as rescue efforts continued. “We’ve been taking out women and children from under the rubble,” he said, emphasizing the civilian toll of the attack.
The strike has prompted concerns about further escalation. Jeanine-Hennis Plasschaert, the U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon, called for an immediate halt to the violence, describing it as “an extremely dangerous cycle of violence with devastating consequences,” as reported by Reuters.
Reuters cites Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, who indicated that this attack is part of a “new phase” in the conflict, aimed at ensuring “the safe return of the residents of the north to their homes.” Tens of thousands of people on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border have been displaced since the conflict intensified in October 2023.
As tensions rise, Reuters reports that Israel has closed airspace in northern Israel to private flights, citing security concerns and operational activity.
This latest escalation brings the death toll in Lebanon to over 740 since October, marking the most severe conflict between Israel and Hezbollah since their 2006 war. The international community watches with growing concern as the situation threatens to destabilize the broader Middle East region.