Israeli airstrikes targeted Beirut's southern suburbs early Wednesday morning, marking the first strike on the capital in nearly a week. Witnesses reported hearing two blasts and seeing smoke rising from two separate neighborhoods in the Dahiyeh area, a Hezbollah stronghold. The Israeli military confirmed it had struck an underground Hezbollah weapons stockpile in the area, stating that precautions were taken to avoid civilian casualties, including advance warnings.

The attack follows Israel's recent incursions into southern Lebanon, aimed at curbing Hezbollah forces amid escalating regional tensions. In the early hours of Wednesday, Israeli authorities issued an evacuation order for one building in the area before carrying out the strikes. However, some reports indicate a broader strike pattern beyond the specific warning.

The conflict in Lebanon has seen heavy Israeli bombardment over the past year, with more than 2,350 people killed and nearly 11,000 wounded, according to Lebanon's health ministry. The strikes have displaced over 1.2 million people, and there are concerns about the lack of distinction between civilian and combatant casualties, with women and children among the victims.

The escalating violence in Lebanon is closely tied to broader regional dynamics. Iran, a staunch ally of Hezbollah, launched a missile barrage on Israel earlier this month, exacerbating the already tense situation. Iran’s “Axis of Resistance” — including Hezbollah, Yemen’s Houthis, and Iraqi armed groups — has ramped up attacks in support of Hamas, further complicating peace efforts.

Diplomatic efforts to mediate a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah have stalled, despite pressure from Western nations, including France. On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his opposition to a unilateral ceasefire during a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron. The leaders have clashed previously over France's call for a halt in arms sales to Israel.

In parallel, fighting continues in Gaza, where Israeli forces announced the killing of a Hamas drone unit commander in an airstrike on the northern Gaza Strip. This came after Israeli ground forces reportedly killed more than 50 fighters in close combat in the Jabalia area.

The U.S. has expressed growing concern over the scope of Israeli strikes in Lebanon. U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized that Washington had raised objections with Israeli authorities regarding the recent bombing campaign in Beirut. Meanwhile, the U.S. has given Israel 30 days to improve humanitarian aid access in Gaza or risk losing some military assistance.

Lebanon continues to suffer under the weight of the conflict. The strikes on Wednesday come after a lull that allowed residents to briefly return to inspect damaged homes and shops in Dahieh. However, the renewed bombardment has once again left the city reeling, with fears of a wider regional escalation looming large.

The Lebanese health ministry also reported casualties from Israeli strikes elsewhere in the country. Five people were killed in Riyaq, located in the Bekaa Valley, and additional fatalities were recorded in the southern regions of Srebbine, Touline, and Qana.

As violence rages on in both Lebanon and Gaza, the prospects for a peaceful resolution remain dim, with diplomatic channels appearing to be blocked and the conflict showing no signs of de-escalation.