The Israeli military launched intense airstrikes in Beirut’s southern suburbs on Tuesday, marking one of the heaviest daytime offensives yet on the Hezbollah-controlled area. According to reports, approximately a dozen strikes targeted Hezbollah positions in the Dahiyeh area of southern Beirut, demolishing buildings and causing extensive damage. The Israeli army claimed that the attacks were intended to dismantle Hezbollah’s missile and weapon facilities. In a statement, the military asserted efforts to minimize civilian harm but accused Hezbollah of using residents as human shields, a claim Hezbollah denies.
In Mount Lebanon province, Israeli strikes reportedly killed over 20 people, with eight fatalities in Baalchmay village and 15 in Joun village. Additional casualties occurred in southern Lebanon, including in Tefahta, Nabatieh, and Tyre, with another death in Hermel in the northeast. Meanwhile, northern Israel saw continued violence, with Hezbollah drone attacks targeting towns near the border. The Israeli police reported two fatalities in Nahariya following a strike on a residential building, and a kindergarten in a Haifa suburb narrowly avoided casualties when a drone hit the yard.
The escalation stems from renewed hostilities that began in September following Israel’s large-scale offensive in southern Lebanon, where Hezbollah has engaged in recurring strikes on Israeli territory. Over the past year, Lebanese health officials report that Israeli actions have killed at least 3,287 people, primarily in recent weeks. Hezbollah claims to have inflicted over 100 Israeli military casualties since October 1.
In diplomatic channels, the United States has been working toward a ceasefire in Lebanon, though discussions have been complex. White House envoy Amos Hochstein expressed optimism, suggesting a potential breakthrough soon. However, Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized that a truce would only be viable if Israel’s objectives were achieved, particularly the disarmament of Hezbollah.
President-elect Donald Trump’s selection of Mike Huckabee as U.S. Ambassador to Israel signals a potentially firmer stance. Known for his support of Israel, Huckabee has opposed ceasefire calls in Gaza, a stance welcomed by Israeli officials.
Simultaneously, Gaza faces a critical humanitarian crisis as aid access remains severely restricted. The UN’s acting under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, Joyce Msuya, reported to the Security Council that international humanitarian law violations are occurring, with Gaza’s northern areas in “imminent danger” of famine. The United Nations expressed concerns that current aid levels are the lowest in over a year, despite U.S. pressure on Israel to improve access. Last month, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken gave Israel a 30-day deadline to ensure the safe entry of humanitarian aid, which expired on Tuesday.
While Israel claims to have boosted aid supplies to Gaza, aid agencies and the UN continue to report severe shortages, accusing the Israeli military of forcibly displacing civilians. The situation has alarmed international rights groups, who note that Israeli strikes using U.S.-supplied weapons have had a catastrophic impact on civilians.
As violence escalates on multiple fronts, international organizations and humanitarian agencies warn that urgent action is required to address the region’s worsening humanitarian conditions.