Israel targets Hezbollah's intelligence headquarters in Beirut amid intensified conflict
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Israel's military has announced it hit Hezbollah’s intelligence headquarters in Beirut, as clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters continue to escalate.
This follows Israel's initiation of ground operations in southern Lebanon, a stronghold of Hezbollah, after days of heavy airstrikes targeting areas controlled by the group.
Lebanon's health ministry reported that over 1,000 people have been killed, and hundreds of thousands have been displaced due to the relentless bombings. The humanitarian crisis worsens as Lebanon grapples with ongoing economic and political turmoil.
Israel’s military stated that it has targeted around 200 Hezbollah positions, including the intelligence center in Beirut. Airstrikes also hit Hezbollah-held suburbs in southern Beirut, where an office linked to the group’s media operations was located.
Hezbollah continues to push back, setting off explosives near Israeli forces attempting to advance along the border and launching cross-border rocket attacks. A recent Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon killed 15 Hezbollah fighters in Bint Jbeil, an area heavily impacted by previous conflicts.
As the fighting intensifies, Israel has urged residents in over 20 villages, including Nabatiyeh, to evacuate for their safety. Israel’s airstrikes have also hit emergency services run by Hezbollah, with reports of civilian casualties, including rescue workers.
The conflict took a new turn when Iran, a major backer of Hezbollah, launched a missile attack on Israel. This provoked strong responses from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who warned Iran would face consequences for its actions. However, U.S. President Joe Biden ruled out supporting any Israeli strikes on Iran's nuclear sites, though he affirmed continued support for Israel.
The ongoing violence is creating ripple effects across the region.
In Syria, Israeli strikes in Damascus have reportedly killed four people, including Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah’s son-in-law. Additionally, an Iranian military adviser in Syria succumbed to injuries from a recent Israeli strike.
As the conflict continues, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged for an end to the escalating violence in the Middle East, but efforts for a diplomatic resolution have so far been unsuccessful.