Beirut Under Fire As Israeli Airstrikes Continue To Cause Massive Destruction

Beirut Under Fire As Israeli Airstrikes Continue To Cause Massive Destruction

Sustained Israeli airstrikes on Beirut have relentlessly pummelling the area in recent weeks, destroying much of its infrastructure and leaving tens of thousands homeless, creating a massive humanitarian crisis.

Tensions in Gaza and the escalation of the Israel-Hezbollah conflict has brought the battle to Lebanon, with the centre of the attack being Beirut, where some of the heaviest bombardments in a generation are being experienced.

Below is an extensive look at the situation, from the lead up of the conflict, to the current conditions and destruction being wrecked upon Lebanon.

Start of the Israel-Hezbollah Conflict

Longstanding tensions between Israel and Iran backed militant groups in Lebanon are the basis of Israel-Hezbollah conflict. Founded in the 1980s as a Shia Islamist political and militant organisation, Hezbollah’s been a big player in Lebanon’s politics and in military politics. 

For decades, it has quarrelled with Israel in various incidents, notably during the 2006 Lebanon War, which devastated southern Lebanon and northern Israel.

However, Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza–a war springing from the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israeli civilians and military targets in 2023–can be directly linked to the recent flare up. 

Hamas’ unprecedented assault provoked an immediate and furious Israeli retaliation not only with airstrikes on Gaza, but also with stepped up military action on Israel’s northern border with Lebanon where the Iran backed Hezbollah operates.

Southern And Eastern Beirut Under Siege

Israeli airstrikes have wreaked havoc on the city of Southern And Eastern Beirut and the situation there is dire. The fireball lit up the sky, and thick plumes of smoke filled the skies over the Lebanese capital, onlookers said.

While these strikes have hit Hezbollah’s infrastructure — weapons depots and military installations — the collateral damage has been huge.

“A fireball lit up the sky and smoke billowed over Beirut as Israel unleashed intense strikes targeting Hezbollah, almost a year since the Hamas attack that sparked Israel’s war in Gaza,” said one local resident.

More than 30 airstrikes hit the Hezbollah stronghold of Beirut in one of the heaviest bombardments since Israel and Hezbollah began fighting, Lebanese officials said. 

The strikes have not been confined to military targets, and a petrol station and a medical supplies warehouse have also been hit. Terrified residents fled on foot, motorbike — wherever they could flee from the relentless bombardment in the southern suburbs of Southern And Eastern Beirut.

Beirut Under Fire As Israeli Airstrikes Continue

It has devastated civilians. This has levelled entire neighbourhoods, reducing home constructions, schools and businesses to piles of dust.

Lebanon’s National News Agency confirmed that the strikes had caused massive destruction and evoked a humanitarian emergency after thousands of people were displaced from their homes.

The Shift in Focus: From Gaza to Lebanon

The Gaza Israel-Hamas war is still a main theatre of fighting, but Israel’s military campaign has gradually shifted to Hezbollah in Lebanon. 

Israeli military preparedness peaked ahead of a Hamas attack on Israel that came a year ago and which they feared could be followed by further escalations on multiple fronts.

“Israel is on high alert ahead of tomorrow’s anniversary of Hamas’ unprecedented 7 October attack which triggered the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza,” Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said during a recent briefing. He added that Israel was bracing for possible “attacks on the home front” in anticipation of the anniversary.

Hezbollah is emboldened by Iran backing, and retaliates, following the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. To hit Israeli forces, Hezbollah uses everything from guns to rockets to artillery to drones. 

Among recent strikes, Hezbollah fired rockets on an Israeli casualty evacuation and used artillery to target Israeli military bases along the Israeli southern border with Lebanon.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog called Iran’s involvement an “ongoing threat,” particularly in light of the Iranian missile attack on Israel. 

Following the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah by Israeli forces the Iranian missile strike killed a Palestinian in the West Bank and damaged an Israeli air base.

And Israel has responded quickly and resolutely. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to defend the country from Hezbollah and Iranian aggression. “Israel has the duty and the right to defend itself and to respond to these attacks, and that is what we will do,” Netanyahu stated.

The Humanitarian Crisis In Beirut After The Attacks

Israeli airstrikes have created a humanitarian crisis in Central Beirut and surrounding areas. AFP footage handily shows a huge fireball over a residential district, the loud explosions and the secondary blasts, all of which continued to fester and put out smoke well into the morning. 

People fled on foot or on scooters Thursday into southern Beirut suburbs, where some of the most severe bombardments of the Israel-Hezbollah conflict were taking place.

Lebanon’s education minister recently announced that the start of the new school year has been postponed due to “security risks,” as the city faces an unrelenting assault. 

Life In Beirut These Days

Many fundamental services of Beirut have been disrupted such as hospitals and medical centres are overwhelmed, some having been completely rendered out of service because of the damage caused by strikes. 

A number of UN agencies have sounded the alarm, saying the situation is getting close to breaking point with hundreds of thousands displaced or cut off from basic needs in Lebanon.

The Broader Impact: Response and New Tensions In The Region

Israel’s military targets Hezbollah, but the group is defiant. Despite Israel’s latest strikes, the militant group has kept up rocket attacks on Israeli forces, using artillery and drones in a display of strength.

Israeli casualty evacuations have prompted Hezbollah’s fighters to retaliate, while hitting Israeli military bases along the border.

Hezbollah said the attacks on Central and Southern Beirut had cost the group dearly but pledged to continue the fight. With the Israel-Hezbollah conflict heating up, the price on both sides is becoming steeper. 

More than 1,110 people have been killed in Lebanon since the start of the conflict in September, including Hezbollah fighters and civilians mown down in the crossfire.

The regional ramifications of the conflict become more and more complex, including Iran. Iran has not denied charges by Israel that it has enabled Hezbollah to carry out missile attacks on Israeli territory. 

In response, Israeli President Isaac Herzog has labelled Iran an “ongoing threat” and vowed to respond forcefully to any further provocations.

Ongoing Escalation: The Future of the Israel-Hezbollah Conflict

Although Beirut and parts of Lebanon have been destroyed, Hezbollah is refusing to back down. The group’s military operations against Israeli forces have continued with retaliatory strikes against Israeli bombardments.

Hezbollah’s leadership has vowed to resist Israeli aggression even as mounting casualties take their toll, a senior Hezbollah source said.

According to reports, the group has also taken devastating losses in recent weeks with the death of several high ranking officials. 

A key leader that had been broadly expected to succeed Nasrallah, Hezbollah also lost contact with Hashem Safieddine following a series of Israeli airstrikes that hit Beirut. But the group hasn’t named a new leader, and it insists on its fight against Israel.

Meanwhile Israel continues its offensive in Lebanon. Israeli forces have executed targeted ground operations in southern Lebanon where they are seeking to damage Hezbollah’s military capabilities. 

Some 440 Hezbollah fighters have been killed so far in Lebanon since the beginning of the conflict, according to Israeli military officials.

They also aim to clear away tens of thousands of Israelis displaced by nearly a year of Hezbollah rocket fire into northern Israel, so they can go back home. Yet the ongoing hostilities make resettlement in those areas safe and uncertain.

The Call for Ceasefire: What Are The Possibilities?

International diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire in the Israeli-Hezbollah conflict are picking up steam as the escalating conflict heats up.

The warring parties have agreed to truces, which United States, Qatar and Egypt mediators have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to broker. But despite that, they haven’t found a breakthrough.

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati urged the international community to put pressure on Israel to cease fire. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi joined Mikati by calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza and Lebanon.

Araghchi warned that any further Israeli aggression against Iran or its allies would be met with an “even stronger” response.

Meanwhile, Israelis are standing their ground that military operations will not stop until Hezbollah’s military infrastructure has been crippled. 

Some within Israel have been critical of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s obstruction of efforts to secure a ceasefire with Hezbollah and Hamas, accusing the prime minister of favouring military action over diplomatic solutions.

Conclusion

With the Israel-Hezbollah tension continuing, Beirut is in a dangerous place. Massive destruction and thousands haven’t been displaced and the city in ruins caused by Israeli airstrikes.

The conflict has broader implications, including for regional stability and for the humanitarian situation in Lebanon.

On the ground the situation is volatile as the international community continues to call for a ceasefire. The people of Beirut have been left to suffer the horrors of war with Israel and Hezbollah too unreconciled to give in.

Beirut Under Fire - Displacement Continues
Beirut Under Fire After Israeli Airstrikes – Displacement Continues

The world will soon be watching intently over the next few days and weeks for developments in Beirut and elsewhere, hoping for a peaceful settlement, but unlikely expecting more suffering in a conflict which has been such a long standing and entrenched feature of the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What triggered the recent escalation in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict?

The recent escalation stems from the aftermath of Hamas’ unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, leading to heightened tensions across the region.

Israeli airstrikes, initially focused on Gaza, extended to Hezbollah’s strongholds in Lebanon, intensifying the Israel-Hezbollah conflict.

How has Beirut been affected by Israeli airstrikes?

Beirut, particularly Southern and Eastern areas, has faced heavy bombardment from Israeli airstrikes.

These strikes have caused massive destruction, flattening infrastructure, homes, and businesses, leaving tens of thousands displaced and sparking a humanitarian crisis.

What role does Hezbollah play in the conflict?

Hezbollah, a militant group backed by Iran, has been actively involved in the conflict with Israel.

It retaliates against Israeli airstrikes by firing rockets, using artillery, and launching drones on Israeli military targets. Hezbollah’s military infrastructure has been heavily targeted by Israel.

What is the humanitarian impact of the conflict on Beirut?

The airstrikes have devastated Beirut’s infrastructure, displacing thousands and overwhelming hospitals.

Many essential services, including schools and healthcare, have been disrupted, leaving the city on the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe.

Is there any hope for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict?

Despite international diplomatic efforts, including calls from Lebanon’s Prime Minister and Iran’s Foreign Minister for a ceasefire, no breakthrough has been achieved.

Israel remains committed to dismantling Hezbollah’s military capabilities before agreeing to any truce.

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