On Friday, Israel launched an airstrike on a Hezbollah-controlled area in Beirut, marking the first such attack since the November ceasefire. The strike targeted a drone storage facility in Dahiyeh, a southern suburb known as a Hezbollah stronghold. Before the attack, Israeli forces issued evacuation warnings, prompting civilians to flee. The airstrike resulted in a massive explosion and thick black smoke over the city.
This escalation followed the launch of rockets from Lebanon into northern Israel earlier in the day. While no group has claimed responsibility, Hezbollah has denied involvement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed that Israel would not tolerate attacks, stating, “We will not allow even a trickle of fire on our communities.”
International reactions were swift. French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the strike, calling it a violation of the ceasefire. The United Nations also expressed deep concern, warning of a potential return to full-scale conflict.
The November ceasefire has been fragile, with both sides accusing each other of violations. This latest attack raises fears of a wider war between Israel and Hezbollah, further destabilizing the region.
