Lebanese leaders have strongly condemned the recent Israeli airstrikes on Beirut, labeling these actions as “flagrant” violations of the ceasefire agreement between the two nations.
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In response, Israel has issued a stark warning, stating that it will continue its military operations in Lebanon until Hezbollah has been disarmed. “There will be no calm in Beirut, and no order or stability in Lebanon, without security for the State of Israel,” said Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, emphasizing the necessity for compliance with international agreements.
In a wave of violence that commenced shortly after the Israeli military issued evacuation warnings for four locations in the region, at least ten strikes targeted the southern suburbs of Beirut—a densely populated area known as Dahiyeh. Notably, this marks the fourth bombing of Dahiyeh since a U.S.-brokered truce was established in November, ending a year-long conflict between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed deep concern over the attacks, calling them a “flagrant violation of an international accord… on the eve of a sacred religious festival.” This sentiment resonates deeply during a time when celebrations are meant to unite communities.
Under the ceasefire facilitated by the United States and France, Lebanon had agreed to disarm Hezbollah, an organization previously believed to be more heavily armed than the state itself. Despite this, Israeli military actions continue to execute operations in southern Lebanon, where they still occupy five strategic positions.
The recent airstrikes have drawn attention as they were particularly directed at Beirut’s suburbs, with Israel having conducted similar actions thrice since the truce. It is essential to note that Hezbollah has denied any involvement in prompting these strikes with rocket launches.
The conflict reignited in October 2023, when Hezbollah escalated tensions by launching rockets at Israeli military sites in solidarity with Hamas. This led to a significant escalation involving heavy bombardment from Israel, resulting in substantial casualties and widespread devastation.
In light of these recent developments, Lebanese leaders have resolutely denounced the strikes, labeling them a violation of Lebanese sovereignty. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam echoed these sentiments, condemning the actions taken against the nation. He also reported that the Lebanese army has worked diligently to dismantle over 500 military positions and arms depots south of the Litani River as part of the ceasefire agreement.
In a poignant account from a southern Beirut resident, Violette shared her traumatic experience of having to flee with her children after receiving a disturbing warning. “I got a phone call from a stranger who said he was from the Israeli army,” she recounted, illustrating the immediate fear felt by many in the region.
The situation remains precarious as Israel has issued evacuation warnings for other areas, including the Lebanese village of Ain Qana, around 20 kilometers from the border. This compound tension highlights the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to restore peace and ensure the safety of civilians caught in the crossfire.
As we observe these ongoing events, it becomes increasingly clear that dialogue and cooperation are crucial in resolving this enduring conflict.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
