Beirut: On the eve of Eid al-Adha, a significant religious holiday for Muslims, Israel launched a series of airstrikes targeting the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) stated that the strikes aimed to neutralise underground facilities used by the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah for the production of drones. This action represents the fourth series of such strikes since a November truce, brokered by the United States, officially ended the previous conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
The IDF, prior to the airstrikes, issued multiple urgent warnings via social media platforms, including X. These warnings, utilising satellite imagery to pinpoint purported Hezbollah sites in the Al-Dahiyeh, Haret Hreik, and Bourj El-Barajneh neighbourhoods, urged residents to evacuate immediately and maintain a safe distance. These warnings resulted in widespread fear and significant evacuations, as witnessed in social media footage depicting numerous vehicles leaving the affected areas. The National Numbering Agency reported that the statements provoked widespread fear and evacuations.
The timing of the strikes, just hours before the commencement of Eid al-Adha, sparked immediate and intense condemnation from Lebanese officials. Prime Minister Najib Mikati and President Joseph Aoun both denounced the actions as a clear violation of international agreements and fundamental principles of international humanitarian law. They further accused Israel of violating the existing ceasefire agreement. Israel’s Defence Minister countered these accusations on X, asserting that the Lebanese government bears responsibility for preventing ceasefire violations and any acts of terrorism against Israel.
The incident threatens to destabilise the already fragile ceasefire. A joint commission, co-chaired by the United States and France, is tasked with overseeing the implementation of the ceasefire, including provisions related to Hezbollah disarmament. The Lebanese army expressed concerns that this commission might suspend its cooperation with them following Israel’s actions. The escalating tensions highlight the volatile security situation in the region and raise serious doubts about the long-term viability of the current truce.
