Israeli aerial attacks flattened five buildings in southern suburbs of Beirut on Friday. Israeli military said that Hezbollah munitions warehouses and command centres are being targeted. Residents had vacated their homes after receiving evacuation orders. Human rights groups are condemning the evacuation orders on the grounds and stated that they do not allow enough time for people to leave.
Lebanon's health ministry said that Israeli strikes throughout Lebanon Thursday left at least 43 dead, including eight members of the Civil Defense. These attacks destroyed the Civil Defense Directorate's headquarters in Douris near Baalbek, where workers were preparing to assist citizens.
Hezbollah responded by shelling Israeli soldiers in northern Israel, including Misgav Am and Yiftah barracks. It also shelled locations at Sasa and Dishon and fought Israeli troops at Markaba in Lebanon. The Israelis have killed 3,386 civilians and injured 14,417 in Lebanon since October 2023. Over a million have been displaced in Lebanon causing a severe humanitarian disaster.
Diplomatic Moves
Diplomatic attempts are underway to negotiate a ceasefire. The US ambassador to Lebanon, Lisa Johnson, presented a proposal to Lebanese officials. The plan is conceived within the framework of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the war in 2006, and according to which Hezbollah must be removed north of the Litani River. Iran has expressed support for Lebanon’s decisions in ceasefire talks. On the contrary, Israel is demanding a reserve to respond to breaches by Hezbollah, which Lebanon denies.
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