Israeli military aircraft conducted multiple airstrikes in southern Beirut on the night of October 6, 2024, targeting Hezbollah positions. Reports indicate that four strikes hit the southern suburbs, with one additional strike in the Chweifat area, leading to significant explosions and a rapid response from ambulances.
The violence lasted for over two hours, with witnesses describing flames and thick smoke rising from the affected areas. The strikes prompted a mass evacuation as residents fled the scene amidst the chaos, with some taking to the streets on foot or motorbikes.
Despite the ongoing strikes, air traffic at Beirut's airport continued, with several planes landing safely. The Israeli military justified the airstrikes as necessary actions against Hezbollah, urging residents to evacuate targeted buildings for their safety.
In a broader context, this escalation comes after a period of limited exchanges of fire along the Israel-Lebanon border. The Israeli military reported significant casualties among Hezbollah fighters, claiming to have killed 440 militants and destroyed 2,000 targets. However, the conflict has also resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Lebanese civilians and displaced approximately 1.2 million people.
This intensifying conflict raises concerns about regional stability and the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Lebanon, as international observers call for urgent measures to protect civilians and de-escalate tensions.