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Deadly Beirut Airstrike Heightens Regional Tensions
A reported Israeli airstrike in Beirut resulted in the deaths of four individuals early Tuesday, according to the Lebanese health ministry, further destabilizing a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. This incident marks a significant escalation amid already strained relations.
Strike Follows UN Call for Justice in Gaza
This operation represents the latest challenge to a precarious four-month truce. Both Israel and Hezbollah have previously exchanged accusations regarding truce violations. The strike occurred one day after United Nations representatives urged for “answers and justice” following the discovery of 15 aid worker bodies in a mass grave in Gaza.
IDF Claims Targeted Hezbollah Operative
In a joint statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Shin Bet (Israel’s internal security agency), and Mossad intelligence agency, declared that the strike, which targeted Dahiyeh, a southern Beirut suburb and Hezbollah bastion, resulted in the elimination of Hassan Ali Badir. They identified Badir as a Hezbollah operative and affiliate of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, alleging his recent involvement in assisting Hamas.
Israeli Minister Cites “Imminent Threat”
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated at a Tuesday press briefing that Badir posed an “imminent threat” of attack. Saar added that Israel expects the Lebanese government to take action against any terrorist elements operating within its borders.
Hezbollah Condemns Operation
While Hezbollah has not officially confirmed Badir’s death, Ibrahim Al-Moussawi, a Hezbollah member of Lebanon’s parliament, denounced the operation. He reported seven injuries and characterized the strike as a violation of international law.
Lebanese Parliamentarian Denounces “Aggression”
“This event constitutes a significant aggression, propelling the situation into an entirely new phase,” Al-Moussawi told news outlets. “We hold the international community and the United States accountable for this atrocity.”
Lebanese President Seeks International Support
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun also criticized the bombardment. In a Tuesday post on social media platform X, Aoun stated that Israel’s escalating aggression within Lebanon has compelled the nation to seek support from its international allies.
US State Department Statement
Israel did not issue any evacuation warnings for the area preceding the strike. The U.S. State Department released a statement Tuesday indicating that hostilities had resumed “because terrorists launched rockets into Israel from Lebanon,” as reported by news agencies.