Israel launched a series of airstrikes on central Beirut, Lebanon, early this morning, according to reports from various news outlets. The strikes targeted several locations in the city, including government buildings and residential areas.
The Israeli military has not yet commented on the reports, but witnesses on the ground have described hearing loud explosions and seeing plumes of smoke rising from the targeted areas. Local authorities have confirmed that there have been casualties, but the exact number is not yet known.
The airstrikes come amid heightened tensions between Israel and Lebanon, following a recent exchange of fire between the two countries along their shared border. Israel has accused the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah of launching rockets into Israeli territory, while Hezbollah has blamed Israel for carrying out airstrikes on its positions in Lebanon.
The Lebanese government has strongly condemned the Israeli airstrikes, calling them a “flagrant violation of Lebanese sovereignty” and warning of the potential for further escalation. The United Nations has also expressed concern over the situation, calling for both sides to exercise restraint and avoid any actions that could further destabilize the region.
The latest round of airstrikes is just the latest in a long history of conflict between Israel and Lebanon. The two countries have fought multiple wars over the years, with Hezbollah emerging as a powerful force in Lebanon and a key ally of Iran.
As the situation continues to unfold, the international community will be closely watching to see how both sides respond to the latest escalation. Any further violence could have serious consequences for the region, which is already grappling with a number of other conflicts and crises.
In the meantime, the people of Beirut are left to pick up the pieces and mourn the loss of life from the latest round of airstrikes. The city, which has already been devastated by economic collapse and a massive explosion last year, now faces yet another challenge as it tries to rebuild and move forward in the face of ongoing conflict.