2024-11-01 04:07:00
According to Lebanese sources, the southern suburbs of Beirut were hit by at least ten Israeli air strikes at dawn on Friday. The attacks left behind “massive destruction”, buildings were “razed to the ground” and fires started, the Lebanese state news agency NNA reported. Israeli warplanes targeted the suburbs of Ghobeiry and Al-Kafaat and the Sayyed Hadi highway, among others.
Footage from the AFP news agency showed explosions followed by clouds of smoke in the suburbs. The Israeli army had previously ordered the evacuation of several buildings in Hezbollah militia strongholds.
The Israeli military has repeatedly bombed southern Beirut in recent weeks and also attacked other locations in the Lebanese capital and the rest of the country. Friday’s attacks followed a meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US officials to discuss a ceasefire between Israel and the Hezbollah militia.
One day after the unprecedented major attack on Israel by the radical Islamic Hamas on October 7, 2023, Hezbollah opened a second front against Israel with regular rocket attacks. In response, Israel shelled targets in its neighboring country. In recent weeks, the Israeli army has significantly increased its attacks on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. It also launched ground operations against pro-Iranian militia positions in southern Lebanon at the end of September.
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**Interview with Middle East Conflict Expert, Dr. Layla Amir**
**Interviewer:** Good morning, Dr. Amir. The recent air strikes in the southern suburbs of Beirut have sparked outrage and concern globally. What can you tell us about the impact of these attacks on the civilian population and infrastructure?
**Dr. Amir:** Good morning. The impact has been devastating. Reports indicate that entire buildings have been reduced to rubble, and there are significant humanitarian concerns regarding the displaced families and those injured. This escalation raises questions about the balance between military objectives and civilian safety.
**Interviewer:** Israeli officials argue that these strikes are necessary to counteract Hezbollah’s aggressive posturing. Where do you stand on the justification of such military actions?
**Dr. Amir:** It’s a complex issue. While nations have the right to defend themselves, the scale and intensity of these strikes can lead to massive civilian suffering. The question arises: are these actions truly effective in diminishing the threat posed by Hezbollah, or do they fuel further resentment and conflict?
**Interviewer:** Following the air strikes, how do you foresee the situation developing in the coming weeks, particularly with ongoing discussions about a potential ceasefire?
**Dr. Amir:** It’s difficult to predict. The ongoing military actions seem contrary to the idea of reaching a peaceful resolution. The ceasefire discussions must address not only the immediate military concerns but also the underlying issues that have led to this cycle of violence.
**Interviewer:** To our readers: Considering the devastating impact of these strikes and the complexities of international relations, do you believe military intervention can ever be justified in urban settings like Beirut? Or should there be a stronger emphasis on diplomatic resolutions, even amid ongoing threats? Share your thoughts in the comments.
