BEIRUT: On Tuesday evening, Israel conducted an airstrike on a densely populated area in the suburbs of Beirut, which it claimed targeted and killed Fuad Shukr, a high-ranking Hezbollah commander. This strike is part of a growing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, exacerbated by recent hostilities.
The airstrike hit the suburb of Haret Hreik at approximately 7:45 p.m. local time. According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Health, the attack resulted in the deaths of a woman and two children. The aftermath, captured in televised footage, showed extensive damage: smoke-filled streets, wrecked buildings, and ambulances transporting the injured. The strike heavily damaged a multistory building, with several floors collapsing.
Israel’s military stated that Fuad Shukr, described as Hezbollah’s top military commander, was the primary target of the strike. Shukr was reportedly an advisor to Hezbollah’s leader, Hasan Nasrallah, and was involved in planning and executing military operations against Israel. The United States had previously offered a reward for information leading to Shukr's capture, accusing him of involvement in the 1983 bombing of the U.S. Marine Corps Barracks in Beirut, which resulted in 241 U.S. military deaths.
The attack on Beirut follows a weekend incident in which a projectile struck a soccer field in Majdal Shams in the Golan Heights, killing 12 children. Israel attributed this incident to Hezbollah and vowed retaliation. The U.S. also blamed Hezbollah, with National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson asserting that the rocket was fired from Hezbollah-controlled territory. Hezbollah has denied responsibility for the attack.
Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have been escalating, with both sides exchanging fire. On Tuesday, Israel reported that a civilian had been killed by shrapnel from a Hezbollah rocket attack, while Hezbollah claimed their rockets were a response to casualties from an Israeli raid.
Diplomats are urgently working to prevent a full-scale war. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed hope for a diplomatic resolution while affirming support for Israel if it faces attacks from Hezbollah. He emphasized the desire for a peaceful resolution but confirmed that the U.S. would assist Israel in defending itself if necessary.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel would respond firmly to the weekend's attack, promising a severe reaction. Despite the strong rhetoric, there was a general expectation that the response would be measured to avoid further escalation.
Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib, speaking before the Beirut strike, had anticipated a limited Israeli response and expressed hope that it would not lead to war. He was surprised by the scale of the attack on Beirut and indicated that Lebanon would seek U.N. Security Council condemnation.
As the situation remains tense, the U.S. is encouraging Israel to act with restraint, hoping for a response limited to southern Lebanon, where Israeli strikes have been focused. The ongoing conflict has already resulted in significant casualties and displacement.
In other developments, the Gaza Health Ministry has declared a polio epidemic amid deteriorating sanitation conditions. Israeli troops have withdrawn from Khan Younis, leaving behind significant destruction. Western governments have advised their citizens to leave Lebanon amid rising tensions.
In the U.S., incidents of anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian discrimination have surged, reflecting growing domestic tensions. The ongoing conflict has resulted in substantial casualties on both sides, with significant impacts on civilians.
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