Israel strikes Beirut after negotiation for ceasefire failed. The situation remains tense, with ongoing military actions in both Lebanon and Gaza.
The Israeli military launched strikes in southern Beirut on Wednesday. This followed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s rejection of ceasefire calls in Lebanon. He argued that a ceasefire would allow Hezbollah forces to remain near Israel’s border.
These attacks occurred after Israeli forces warned residents to evacuate. One strike targeted weapons stored by Hezbollah in an underground facility. The Israeli military stated that these actions were necessary for national security, according to AFP.
Meanwhile, Iran’s top diplomat warned of a decisive response if Israel continues its attacks.
U.S. pressure but Israel strikes
Netanyahu’s refusal to halt the offensive came as the United States increased pressure on Israel. The U.S. criticized the bombing in Beirut and urged for better aid access for Gazans.
In a call with French President Emmanuel Macron, Netanyahu expressed his opposition to a unilateral ceasefire. He emphasized that such a ceasefire would not change the security situation in Lebanon.
Israel insists on needing a buffer zone along its northern border, free of Hezbollah fighters. Netanyahu stated that Israel would not agree to any arrangement that does not provide this security measure.
Hezbollah’s deputy leader, Naim Qassem, argued for a ceasefire. He threatened to expand missile strikes across Israel, asserting the right to target any location in response to Israeli attacks.
Recent military actions
Early Wednesday, the Israeli military reported that about 50 projectiles were fired from Lebanon. Fortunately, there were no casualties reported.
Hezbollah claimed it launched several salvos of rockets at northern Israel and military positions. The Israeli military responded, stating it eliminated dozens of terrorists during exchanges of fire and aerial strikes in Lebanon.
On Tuesday, Israel bombed several areas in southern and eastern Lebanon. This included a strike in the Bekaa Valley, which disabled a hospital.
The Israeli military also captured three Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon. Lebanon’s health ministry reported at least nine deaths due to strikes in the south, with five more in the east, including three children.
U.S. response as Israel strikes Beirut
The U.S. State Department criticized the Israeli strikes. Spokesman Matthew Miller stated that the U.S. opposes how the campaign has been conducted in Beirut.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned that U.S. weapon deliveries could be affected. They emphasized the need for increased aid access to Gazans.
Miller noted that changes were necessary to improve the level of assistance reaching Gaza. The current humanitarian situation is dire, with restrictions considered the worst since the offensive on Hamas began last October.
Humanitarian crisis in Gaza
The United Nations has raised alarms about the severe restrictions on aid to Gaza. UNICEF spokesman James Elder described the situation as possibly the worst ever for humanitarian aid.
Israeli forces have conducted extensive air and ground assaults in northern Gaza. They claim these actions target Hamas militants regrouping in the area. Residents have reported devastating conditions, with entire blocks reduced to ashes.
Israel’s military stated it eliminated over 50 terrorists during recent operations. Survivors in affected areas express fear and despair.
Escalation of conflict in Lebanon
Israel escalated its air campaign against Hezbollah starting September 23. A ground offensive began a week later to push back the group from its northern border.
Hezbollah has responded with thousands of projectiles fired into Israel. This ongoing conflict has displaced tens of thousands of Israelis.
At least 1,356 people have died in Lebanon since Israel intensified its bombing. The true toll is likely higher due to the ongoing nature of the conflict.
The war has further worsened Lebanon’s economic crisis, displacing around 690,000 people. Israel is also considering its response to Iran’s missile launch on October 1.
Leave feedback about this