Israeli forces have launched a series of intense air strikes on Hezbollah strongholds in south Beirut early Sunday morning.
The strikes targeted Hezbollah’s weapons storage facilities and infrastructure.
The strikes came ahead of the one-year anniversary of Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel, which sparked the Gaza war.
According to Lebanon’s National News Agency, the Hezbollah stronghold of Dahiyeh was hit by over 30 strikes.
This however caused widespread destruction and civilian displacement.
The agency also reported that a petrol station was among the targets.
“Hezbollah fighters targeted Israeli forces with artillery fire after they attempted to infiltrate Lebanese territory,” a Hezbollah statement read.
The group claimed to have launched assault drones against an Israeli military base.
Israeli military officials confirmed the strikes, stating that “numerous measures were taken to mitigate civilian harm.”
However, the UN refugee agency warned of a “terrible crisis” in Lebanon, with hundreds of thousands displaced or destitute.
The conflict has resulted in significant human suffering, with over 1,110 people killed in Lebanon since September 23.
At least four hospitals in Lebanon have been put out of service due to Israeli bombardment.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned Iran’s ongoing support for Hezbollah, calling it an “ongoing threat.”
Also, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to defend Israel against Iranian-backed militant groups.
In his reaction, French President Emmanuel Macron criticized Israel’s decision to send ground troops into Lebanon, while Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi renewed calls for ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon.
The UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon rejected Israel’s request to relocate its positions in south Lebanon.
The escalation has regional implications, with Iran backing Hezbollah and other militant groups.
Furthermore, the conflict risks drawing in other regional actors, potentially widening the conflict.