Israel continued heavy airstrikes on Hezbollah's key areas in southern Beirut, Lebanon, today. These strikes, which began last night, sent thick smoke into the air and caused panic in crowded civilian neighborhoods. The attacks are the most intense Israel has launched on Beirut since shifting its military operations from Gaza to Lebanon earlier this week.
Israel’s main targets were said to be Hezbollah strongholds across Lebanon, resulting in devastating damage and hundreds of deaths. Israeli TV reported that Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was the main target, though a Hezbollah source told AFP that Nasrallah is "fine," as he has stayed hidden for years to avoid assassination attempts. Nasrallah is a powerful figure in Lebanon, especially among the Shiite community, and is seen as the key person for either waging war or negotiating peace.
The Israeli military (IDF) announced that their strikes killed Muhammad Ali Ismail, Hezbollah's missile commander in southern Lebanon, his deputy, and other senior officials. A local resident, Ahmad Ahmad, said the strikes felt "like an earthquake," as reported by AFP.
Israel's attacks continued with a second wave targeting Hezbollah's weapons depots in southern Beirut. Hezbollah denied this, but reports mentioned that six buildings were destroyed, leaving 91 people injured and six dead. In response, Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel, prompting the Israeli military to warn civilians in Hezbollah-controlled areas to evacuate.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke at the United Nations General Assembly, promising to continue military action against Hezbollah until Israel’s northern border is secure. He defended Israel’s right to self-defense and suggested a possible ground offensive in Lebanon. Netanyahu also warned Iran, accusing it of supporting Hezbollah and threatening retaliation if Iran were to attack Israel.
As Netanyahu spoke, many diplomats walked out in protest over the ongoing war in Gaza, which has caused the deaths of over 42,000 people and widespread destruction.
The airstrikes on southern Beirut were said to involve large amounts of explosives, targeting Hezbollah's underground command centers. Despite the destruction, including entire buildings being leveled, there was no confirmation of Nasrallah’s death. However, Israeli officials believed the strikes weakened Hezbollah's leadership structure.
The United Nations and humanitarian groups are expressing alarm over the situation, with UN humanitarian coordinator Imran Riza calling this "the deadliest period in Lebanon in a generation," according to AFP.
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