Beirut: Israel carried out an airstrike in the southern suburbs of Beirut on Sunday, killing a senior Hezbollah commander and raising fears of a wider conflict in the region. The strike hit a building in Haret Hreik, a crowded residential area that serves as a stronghold of the armed group.
Lebanese authorities said at least five people were killed and more than twenty eight were injured. Emergency teams worked through the night to pull people from damaged buildings as families searched for missing loved ones in the smoky streets.
Israel said the attack targeted Haytham Ali Tabtabai, a senior Hezbollah military figure whom it accused of directing operations along the border. According to the Israeli military, the strike was aimed at preventing what it called renewed attempts by Hezbollah to strengthen its military presence.
Lebanon’s president Joseph Aoun condemned the attack and urged the international community to intervene. Officials warned that the strike was a serious violation of the year old ceasefire that had eased months of earlier clashes.
Hezbollah described the strike as a treacherous act and said it would decide how to respond. The group’s messages suggested that the attack had crossed what it viewed as a red line, raising concern that a new cycle of escalation could begin.
The strike came only two days after Lebanese leaders expressed readiness to engage in talks about stabilising the border. Analysts say the timing may complicate diplomatic efforts and increase pressure on both sides.
Residents in Beirut expressed fear that the violence could spread, especially as Lebanon continues to face deep economic and political challenges.
Many said they worry that any further clashes would place even greater strain on communities already dealing with hardship.
Regional observers are watching closely to see whether Hezbollah retaliates or whether international partners move quickly to calm the situation. For now, the mood in Beirut is tense as families mourn the dead and wait to see what comes next.