Middle East on Edge as Israeli Strike in Beirut Kills Top Militant Leaders
Three Palestinian terrorist leaders have been killed by an Israeli airstrike in Beirut, signalling a major uptick in hostilities in the area. This is the first time Israel has targeted the Lebanese capital’s city limits amid rising tensions with Iran’s allies. Following the strike, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) released a statement confirming the casualties.
(Also read IDF Continues To Conduct High-Impact Air Strikes Across Lebanon.)
The targeted area, Beirut’s Kola district, is a predominantly Sunni neighbourhood. According to witnesses, an apartment building’s top story was struck, partially flattening the building. The attack is seen as part of a broader Israeli military campaign aimed at weakening militant groups aligned with Iran.
PFLP Leaders Killed in the Israeli Airstrike in Beirut
The PFLP stated that the three leaders killed were its military security chief Mohammad Abdel-Aal, military commander Imad Odeh, and another senior figure, Abdelrahman Abdel-Aal. Their deaths are a substantial blow to the militant organisation, which has been actively involved in the fight against Israel.
The strike on Beirut comes as Israel shifts its focus from Gaza to Lebanon, targeting Iran-backed groups operating in the region. In recent days, the Israeli military has increased its activities in Lebanon, targeting the Iran-backed Hezbollah group and other militias.
Nasrallah’s Death and Its Impact
One of the most significant developments was the death of Hassan Nasrallah, leader of Hezbollah, following an Israeli airstrike in Beirut on Friday. Nasrallah’s killing is seen as a major turning point, with analysts warning that Hezbollah may now feel pressured to respond to reassert its influence.
The Israeli military has vowed to continue its operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, saying it aims to degrade the group’s military infrastructure and capabilities. An Israeli military statement on Telegram emphasised that the country “will continue to attack powerfully” to undermine Hezbollah’s strength.
Rising Death Toll in Lebanon
Israeli attacks including the Israeli airstrike in Beirut, have resulted in hundreds of deaths in Lebanon over the past week, making it the deadliest period since the country’s 1975-1990 civil war. Lebanon’s health ministry reported at least 105 deaths on a single day, with 359 people wounded in strikes targeting various parts of the country.
Widespread displacement has also resulted from the fighting. According to UN refugee chief Filippo Grandi, over 200,000 people have been internally displaced within Lebanon, while another 50,000 have sought refuge in neighbouring Syria. Prime Minister Najib Mikati expressed concern, stating that up to one million people could potentially be displaced, making it the largest displacement movement in Lebanon’s recent history.
Drone Attacks and Security Concerns
Israeli drones have been flying over the Lebanese capital since the attacks began, heightening fears of further escalations.According to a security source, a drone strike this morning targeted a “flat belonging to Jamaa Islamiya,” a Lebanese Islamist organisation. Additionally, the
Israeli army claimed to have intercepted a suspicious aerial target that was entering Israeli territory from Lebanon. This raised alarm about potential retaliation from Lebanese factions or even wider involvement by other regional players.
Escalation Beyond Lebanon
The conflict is not limited to Lebanon. Israel also carried out airstrikes in Yemen, targeting positions held by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. According to Houthi media reports, these strikes resulted in four deaths and 33 injuries. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s return from New York coincided with the Houthis’ attempt to shoot a missile at an Israeli airport, which prompted the raids.
The expanding scope of the conflict has raised fears of a wider regional war. The recent hostilities, including the Israeli airstrike in Beirut, have drawn in various militant groups from Gaza, Lebanon, and Yemen, with each side seemingly preparing for a protracted conflict.
International Response and Concerns
World leaders have voiced concerns over the escalating situation. During their meeting in Lebanon, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot urged Prime Minister Mikati to put an end to Israeli strikes right away. Saudi Arabia called for Lebanon’s “sovereignty and territorial integrity” to be respected, while US President Joe Biden emphasised the need to avoid a broader war.
Due to the possibility of a broader confrontation, the issue is currently being closely watched by the world community. Analysts warn that Nasrallah’s death could lead to a destabilised Hezbollah, potentially causing a chain reaction that could destabilise the entire region.
Gaza Remains a Flashpoint
Meanwhile, the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. According to the territory’s civil defence organisation, multiple Israeli strikes have resulted in fatalities. The conflict escalated significantly after Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on October 7, killing 1,205 people, most of whom were civilians. The health ministry operated by Hamas claims that over 41,595 individuals have died in Gaza as a result of Israel’s retaliation assaults.
The UN has described these casualty figures as reliable, further highlighting the devastating impact on civilians. In addition, 97 captives—33 of whom are thought to be dead—of the 251 hostages taken by extremists are still being held in Gaza.
Calls for De-escalation
As the violence rages on, calls for a ceasefire and diplomatic intervention grow louder. The fear is that continued hostilities could spiral into a multi-front war involving multiple countries in the Middle East. The conflict has already caused immense human suffering, and there is a widespread demand for de-escalation to prevent further loss of life.
For now, the region remains on edge, with the possibility of further Israeli strikes and militant retaliations. With tensions at a peak, the situation in Lebanon, Gaza, and beyond could shape the geopolitical landscape for years to come.
