NepalIsrael.com , Jerusalem .
Israel launched a series of airstrikes on Hezbollah’s stronghold in southern Beirut on Wednesday night, destroying a residential complex, according to Lebanese state media.
These strikes followed a visit by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Israel, where he urged Israel to avoid escalating tensions with Iran. Israel is currently engaged in conflicts with both Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, both supported by Iran. The country has also vowed to retaliate against Iran for a missile attack on October 1.
In Lebanon, the National News Agency (NNA) reported at least 10 Israeli airstrikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut after the Israeli army issued an evacuation warning for the area. Four strikes hit a residential building near the Laylaki neighborhood, completely destroying it and causing a large fire.
In Tyre, a city in southern Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes devastated large parts of the city, forcing many residents to flee. “The whole city shook,” said a resident named Rana, who evacuated to the seafront after hearing warnings from the Israeli military. Seven buildings were destroyed, and over 400 apartments were damaged, according to Bilal Kashmar, who leads Tyre’s disaster management unit.
Smoke was seen rising from various neighborhoods, some only 500 meters from the ancient ruins of the city. UNESCO expressed concern, saying it was closely monitoring the impact of the conflict on Tyre’s World Heritage site.
Blinken’s visit to Israel marked his 11th trip since the Gaza war began. He emphasized the importance of achieving long-term peace, stating that Israel had reached most of its military objectives in Gaza and should now aim for “enduring, strategic success.” He also called on Israel to avoid actions that could further escalate tensions, particularly regarding its response to Iran.
Meanwhile, in Gaza, the humanitarian crisis continues, with tens of thousands of civilians trapped in the north and facing cold conditions as winter approaches. Despite some progress in delivering aid, much more is needed. Displaced families are struggling to stay warm, with one man, Ahmad al-Razz, describing how his family sewed sacks together to make a tent by the sea.
In southern Lebanon, the situation remains tense, with ongoing strikes from both sides. Hezbollah continues to launch rockets into Israel, and Israel is targeting Hezbollah positions, particularly along its northern border. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently revealed that Israel had discovered Hezbollah’s plans for a large-scale invasion involving jeeps, missiles, and underground tunnels.
The conflict has already claimed over 1,500 lives since late September, and discussions are underway about potentially deploying international peacekeeping forces to Lebanon if a ceasefire can be reached. Currently, around 10,000 U.N. peacekeepers are stationed in southern Lebanon, but additional multinational troops may be considered.
