Israel Strikes Beirut for First Time Since Truce with Hezbollah

Beirut– Israel has launched an airstrike on Lebanon’s capital, Beirut, for the first time since a fragile truce with Hezbollah took effect in November, escalating tensions in the already volatile region. The attack, which targeted a building in the Hadith neighbourhood in Beirut’s southern suburbs on Friday, marks a significant escalation in hostilities between the Israeli military and the Lebanese armed group.

Eyewitnesses reported scenes of panic as residents fled their homes when Israeli warplanes struck the densely populated area. The building was flattened in the strike, and while the full extent of casualties remains unclear, emergency services were seen rushing to the site to conduct search-and-rescue operations.

The Israeli military confirmed the airstrike, stating that it was in response to “imminent threats” posed by Hezbollah. However, Hezbollah has yet to issue an official statement on the attack. The airstrike comes after months of sporadic cross-border skirmishes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters, despite the ceasefire agreement that was brokered late last year to halt an escalating conflict.

Lebanese officials condemned the attack, calling it a "dangerous violation of sovereignty" and warning that such actions could reignite a full-scale conflict. The Lebanese government has called for an emergency meeting of security officials to assess the situation and determine a response.

The latest attack is reminiscent of last year’s prolonged bombing campaign, during which Israeli fighter jets repeatedly targeted Hezbollah strongholds in Beirut and other parts of Lebanon. Analysts fear that Friday’s airstrike could mark the beginning of another cycle of retaliation between the two sides, with Hezbollah expected to respond in kind.

The situation along the Israel-Lebanon border has remained tense despite the truce, with both sides accusing each other of violations. Hezbollah has maintained a strong presence in southern Lebanon, and Israeli officials have frequently warned of the group's growing military capabilities.

Regional and international leaders have urged both parties to exercise restraint, fearing that renewed hostilities could further destabilize the Middle East. The United Nations has called for de-escalation and reiterated the importance of diplomatic efforts to prevent another war in the region.

As the dust settles over Beirut’s southern suburbs, residents brace for the possibility of further escalation. The fragile peace that has held since November now appears to be under serious threat, raising concerns that Lebanon could once again become a battleground for a prolonged conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.