Israeli airstrikes struck the southern suburbs of Beirut early Sunday, following evacuation orders for residents near Hezbollah sites. The strikes appear part of a broader escalation, including earlier attacks in Iran where two soldiers were reported killed. Major powers emphasize the need for restraint to prevent wider conflict in the region.
On Sunday morning, Israeli airstrikes reportedly targeted the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, as announced by the country’s official National News Agency. This military action occurred following recent evacuation advisories issued by the Israeli army to residents living near Hezbollah sites. Consequently, the Israeli army had prompted inhabitants of two specific neighborhoods in southern Beirut to vacate their premises, citing the proximity to pivotal Hezbollah facilities. In yesterday’s developments, Israel’s military confirmed the conclusion of airstrikes against Iran, claiming the assaults were aimed at military installations located in the provinces of Ilam, Khuzestan, and Tehran. Reports indicate that the strikes inflicted limited damage, albeit with the loss of two Iranian soldiers as reported by Iran’s official news agency, IRNA. This escalation in military activity has drawn responses from the European Union, which, alongside the US, UK, and France, underscored the necessity for all factions to exercise restraint to prevent an uncontrollable escalation of hostilities in the region. Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, asserted, “Iran’s determination to defend itself knows no limits,” as Israeli military officials cautioned that Iran would incur a “heavy price” should it initiate further escalation.
The current wave of violence in the Middle East, particularly the recent Israeli airstrikes in Beirut and Iran, reflects escalating tensions primarily surrounding the actions and influences of Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group with close ties to Iran. This situation has raised concerns among global powers regarding the potential for a wider conflict, compelling diplomatic calls for restraint from entities including the European Union and Western nations.
The series of airstrikes executed by Israel against Lebanon and Iran signifies a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict, exacerbated by the strategic implications of Hezbollah’s military presence in the region. The international community remains vigilant in urging restraint to avert broader hostilities, as both Israel and Iran continue to navigate heightened military readiness without an immediate prospect for peace.
Original Source: www.france24.com
