New Delhi: Israel launched a series of airstrikes in southern Beirut, Lebanon, mere minutes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The strikes were directed at Hezbollahs central headquarters, according to Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari. Large plumes of smoke were seen rising from Hezbollah-dominated areas in Beirut, signaling Israels ongoing military efforts against the Iran-backed militant group.Netanyahus pledge to continue fightingIn his speech at the UN, Netanyahu reaffirmed Israels commitment to continuing its fight against Hezbollah and Hamas, emphasizing that Israel would not stop until victory is achieved. He stated, As long as Hezbollah chooses war, Israel has no option but to neutralize the threat and bring our citizens back to safety. This came almost a year into Israels intense conflict with Hamas in Gaza, which has now shifted to a broader front that includes Lebanon.Watch the video here:BREAKING - Israel has just struck at the heart of Hezbollahs strongholdThe target - mass murderer Hassan Nasrallah. Have they taken him outSince Oct 7, Hamas has learned Israel is not playing games.Now Hezbollah is learning the same hard lesson pic.twitter.com/rIUUVEo7Zg— David Collier (@mishtal) September 27, 2024Cross-border fireThe airstrikes are part of a larger escalation in violence between Israel and Hezbollah, which have been exchanging heavy cross-border fire since Hamass surprise attack on Israel on October 7. Israels aerial bombardments have targeted Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon, resulting in over 700 deaths this week, according to Lebanese health ministry reports. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts led by the U.S. to establish a ceasefire have so far failed to produce results.Lebanese casualties and exodusAs Israeli airstrikes continue, reports from Lebanons National News Agency indicate the devastation is spreading across the country. A single airstrike recently claimed the lives of a family of nine in southern Lebanon. The escalating violence has also forced the displacement of over 118,000 Lebanese citizens, with many fleeing for safety.Hezbollah retaliatesHezbollah has retaliated by launching rockets into northern Israeli cities, including Tiberias, in response to what it called savage Israeli airstrikes. The growing intensity of the conflict has led many observers to fear a broader war, as tensions mount throughout the region.Mounting international concernsThe United Nations has condemned the escalating violence, describing the situation in Lebanon as the deadliest in a generation. UN officials have warned that the current conflict risks destabilizing the entire Middle East, with vulnerable populations, particularly children, bearing the brunt of the suffering. Imran Riza, the UN humanitarian coordinator for Lebanon, expressed grave concern, stating, We are witnessing the deadliest period in Lebanon in decades, and many fear this is only the beginning.Iran, a key supporter of Hezbollah, is treading cautiously in its involvement, though the situation remains volatile. Israeli forces also reported intercepting a missile fired from Yemen, raising alarms of further escalation beyond Lebanon and Gaza. During his UN speech, Netanyahu warned Tehran, saying, If you strike us, we will strike you.
