Israeli airstrikes have targeted the southern suburbs of Beirut for the third consecutive day, intensifying the conflict in Lebanon and Gaza. As of Thursday morning, Lebanese state media reported that several areas in Beirut’s southern suburbs, including Ghobeiry, were hit by Israeli strikes, with new evacuations ordered for areas suspected of housing Hezbollah targets.
In Gaza, airstrikes have hit designated safe zones, further escalating the humanitarian crisis in the region. In this post, we’ll break down the latest developments, provide context on the ongoing violence, and explore the key issues surrounding the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) operations.
Israel Strikes Southern Beirut for Third Consecutive Day
On Thursday morning, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out airstrikes in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon. This marks the third consecutive day of Israeli operations targeting areas believed to be controlled by Hezbollah. The strikes come amid increasing tension in the region, as both Israel and Hezbollah engage in a deadly conflict that has spilled over into Lebanon from Gaza.
- Evacuation Notices Issued: In response to the strikes, Israeli spokesperson Avichay Adraee issued new evacuation notices for civilians in southern Beirut. The Israeli military claimed that certain buildings in the area were being used by Hezbollah operatives and were therefore legitimate military targets.
- Targeting Hezbollah: Hezbollah, the militant group based in Lebanon, has been a key actor in the broader regional conflict, and Israel considers it a primary threat. The IDF has targeted Hezbollah positions in both southern Lebanon and Gaza in recent weeks, as part of its ongoing operations following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks.
Gaza Safe Zone Hit: Humanitarian Concerns Deepen
Meanwhile, in the southern Gaza Strip, the situation has continued to deteriorate. On Wednesday, an airstrike targeted the Mawasi area, a zone that the IDF had previously declared a humanitarian safe zone. The strike resulted in a significant explosion, destroying equipment at one of the Doctors Without Borders (MSF) clinics that had been evacuated prior to the attack.
- Humanitarian Crisis Escalates: According to MSF, the airstrike caused massive damage to medical equipment, compounding the already dire situation for Gaza’s residents. The attack also reportedly hit a shelter for displaced people, which raised alarm among aid organizations working in the region.
- IDF Justifies Strike: The IDF defended the attack, claiming that they had issued advance warnings and that the airstrike was aimed at dismantling a launcher that had been positioned in the humanitarian area. The military said the launcher was being used to fire rockets into Israeli territory.
- International Outcry: The bombing of a designated safe zone has sparked fresh concerns over Israel’s conduct in Gaza. Human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, have raised the alarm, accusing Israel of using “starvation as a weapon of war” and violating international law by targeting civilian infrastructure, including medical and humanitarian aid sites.
Biden and Trump Discuss Hostages: Diplomacy Amidst Conflict
In the United States, discussions between President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday focused on the ongoing hostage crisis in Gaza. National security adviser Jake Sullivan confirmed that both leaders addressed the American hostages being held by Hamas and other militant groups in Gaza.
- Hostage Situation: The hostage crisis has become a significant point of focus in US foreign policy, with both the Biden administration and the incoming Trump team discussing ways to secure the release of American citizens.
- Bipartisan Approach: Despite their political differences, both administrations have expressed a desire to work together to address the issue, signalling that the situation in Gaza transcends partisan divides.
French Soccer Match Under Tight Security Amidst Rising Tensions
In Paris, security measures have been heightened ahead of a soccer match between Israel and France. With rising tensions following recent violence linked to Israeli soccer games, France has deployed over 4,000 law enforcement officers to ensure the safety of fans and prevent clashes.
- Heightened Security: The French authorities are taking no chances after violence erupted following a match between Israel and the Netherlands in Amsterdam last week. The incident left several injured, and French authorities have vowed to prevent similar unrest during Thursday’s match.
Casualties and Humanitarian Impact: Gaza and Lebanon
The war between Israel and Hamas has claimed a staggering number of lives. According to the latest figures from Gaza’s Health Ministry, over 43,736 people have been killed, and more than 103,370 have been injured since the start of the conflict in early October. The death toll in Lebanon has also risen, with at least 3,365 people killed and 14,344 injured as the violence has spilled over the border.
- In Gaza: The situation in Gaza continues to worsen, with little relief in sight. Reports suggest that the North Gaza Strip, under constant attack by Israeli forces, is now facing a looming famine due to the scarcity of food, especially in the most heavily bombed areas.
- In Lebanon: The situation in Lebanon remains dire as well. The country has been hit hard by the conflict, with many Lebanese civilians caught in the crossfire. Hospitals are overwhelmed with casualties, and vital infrastructure is being destroyed.
Accusations of War Crimes: Human Rights Watch Report
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused Israel of war crimes and crimes against humanity in a new report released Thursday. According to HRW, Israel’s actions in Gaza, including the forced displacement of civilians and the bombing of safe zones, have violated international humanitarian law.
- Displacement and Starvation: The HRW report claims that Israel has displaced over 90% of Gaza’s population, forcing nearly 1.9 million Palestinians from their homes. The report also highlighted that evacuation routes and supposed safe zones have been consistently bombed, leading to significant civilian casualties.
- Complicity of Arms Suppliers: HRW also warned that continued arms provision to Israel by the United States, Germany, and other countries risks complicity in war crimes. This follows the growing international debate over military aid to Israel in light of the ongoing conflict.
The Humanitarian Toll: Worsening Famine and Food Shortages
According to the World Food Program (WFP), the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached a critical point, with fresh food, eggs, and meat barely existing throughout the region. Experts warn that famine looms for the remaining population in northern Gaza, where around 50,000 to 75,000 people are still trapped without adequate access to food or medical supplies.
- Israel’s Response: The Israeli military has denied accusations of causing starvation, insisting that its operations in the north are focused on targeting Hamas fighters. However, Israel’s military body, COGAT, claims to be increasing the flow of humanitarian aid into the region, including opening new crossings in the south of Gaza.
Conclusion: Ongoing Conflict and International Repercussions
The conflict between Israel and Gaza continues to unfold with devastating consequences. From airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs to attacks on Gaza’s humanitarian safe zones, the toll on civilians in both Lebanon and Gaza is catastrophic. As international pressure mounts, questions about war crimes, humanitarian aid, and the broader geopolitical ramifications of the war remain central to the global conversation.
The world watches as the situation continues to deteriorate, and diplomatic efforts intensify to bring an end to the bloodshed.
Relevant Links for Further Reading
- Human Rights Watch Report on War Crimes in Gaza Human Rights Watch
- Israel’s Humanitarian Aid Efforts in Gaza COGAT Official
- Casualty Figures in Gaza and Lebanon Gaza Health Ministry
- The Israel-Hamas Conflict: What’s at Stake BBC News
