Israel Strikes Beirut for Second Time Since Ceasefire
Israel has launched an attack on Beirut, the Lebanese capital, marking only the second strike since a ceasefire began last month.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that the strike occurred around 14:00 local time (11:00 GMT) and was executed in a "targeted manner," though no further details were provided. Israeli media, citing unnamed sources, indicated that the strike targeted the leader of an Iranian militia.
Previously, Israel had refrained from striking Beirut at the request of US President Donald Trump. The recent attack followed a series of Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon, according to the IDF.
Both Israel and Hezbollah, the influential Shia group backed by Iran, have accused each other of repeated ceasefire violations.
Impact on Beirut's Dahieh Suburb
Following the Israeli strike, thick smoke was observed rising over residential buildings in Dahieh, a densely populated Shia suburb of Beirut and a Hezbollah stronghold.
Residents were heard calling out to neighbors and relatives to ensure their safety as rescue teams arrived at the scene.
Israeli media reported that the strike targeted Ali al-Husni, the head of the missile force in the Imam Hossein Division, an Iranian militia allied with Hezbollah.
Escalation Following Hezbollah Drone Attacks
The strikes occurred after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced an expansion of ground operations in response to Hezbollah drone attacks on Israeli troops stationed in southern Lebanon and on civilians in northern Israel.
On Wednesday, the IDF advised residents to relocate north of the Zahrani River, approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the Israeli border, warning that it would act "with extreme force."
Casualties and Damage in Tyre
At least 11 people were killed in two separate Israeli strikes targeting Tyre and an area east of the city early Thursday, according to the Lebanese health ministry.
Social media footage from Tyre, one of Lebanon's largest cities, showed streets illuminated by flames, smoke-filled roads, and at least one vehicle engulfed in fire.
By daylight, a large fireball was recorded erupting near a cluster of high-rise residential buildings, producing a mushroom-shaped smoke column above the city skyline.
Residents appeared stunned as debris scattered across surrounding streets.
A Hezbollah member in Tyre told the BBC that rescue and recovery efforts had been halted due to dangerous conditions and that Israeli military warnings had been issued to evacuate the area.
Evacuations and Displacement
The evacuation order issued on Wednesday was the largest since the ceasefire took effect, encompassing approximately 300 towns and villages—about 14% of Lebanese territory. Many displaced residents, including those already uprooted from other parts of southern Lebanon, face uncertain prospects for relocation.
On Thursday, the streets of Saida appeared unusually busy, with the marina area filled with beachgoers having lunch and no visible tents for displaced persons.
With shelters at capacity, humanitarian workers and city officials advised displaced individuals to continue moving north, as there was no additional space available in Saida.
Saida, a coastal city located north of the Zahrani River but south of Beirut, has not experienced the same level of impact as cities like Tyre or Nabatieh.
Missile Strike in Saida
Although Saida was not included in the latest evacuation orders, Hanaa Jamaa, 46, was shocked when she was awakened in the early hours by news that an apartment she owned had been struck.
The missile hit the building around 02:40, apparently striking the roof before descending through the structure.
Four people died in the building, including two displaced individuals and two Saida residents.
The tenant had lived there for three years.
"We aren't with Hezbollah and we aren't with Israel," Hanaa said through tears. "We just want peace."
Ceasefire Violations and Broader Conflict
Israeli officials assert that Hezbollah's attacks breach the temporary ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, which has been extended twice since its inception last month.
Conversely, Lebanese officials cite Israeli strikes as violations of the ceasefire.
The escalating conflict threatens to undermine negotiations aimed at ending the war involving the US and Israel on one side and Iran on the other. Iran maintains that any agreement must include Lebanon, while Israel insists on retaining the right to combat Hezbollah's threat.
Lebanon entered the war on 2 March when Hezbollah launched rocket attacks into Israel in retaliation for an Israeli strike that killed Iran's supreme leader. Israel responded with an air campaign across Lebanon and a ground invasion.
According to Lebanon's health ministry, at least 3,224 people have died since the war began, with figures not distinguishing between combatants and civilians.
Israel reports that 23 of its soldiers and four civilians have been killed during the same period on both sides of the border.
Additional reporting by Angie Mrad.
