Israeli Airstrike Hits Beirut’s Southern Suburbs Amid Evacuation Warnings

Israeli Airstrike Hits Southern Suburbs of Beirut After Evacuation Warnings

In the early hours of Thursday, a new Israeli airstrike targeted the southern suburbs of Beirut, following a renewed warning from the Israeli military for residents in specific neighborhoods to evacuate. This attack marks the continuation of escalating tensions and comes after at least six waves of airstrikes conducted since Tuesday.

Live footage captured by Agence France-Presse (AFP) showed a plume of smoke billowing from the site of the most recent airstrike, underscoring the intensity of the situation in one of Beirut’s most densely populated areas. The southern suburbs, considered a stronghold for Hezbollah, have been the focus of Israel’s military operations, citing the presence of what it claims are facilities associated with the militant group.

Evacuation Warnings Issued

Ahead of Thursday’s airstrike, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) issued direct warnings to residents in the targeted areas, urging them to leave immediately “for your safety and the safety of your families.” The IDF has employed social media platforms, including a post by spokesperson Avichay Adraee on X (formerly Twitter), to reach those living in affected zones.

“A new warning for all residents currently in the southern suburb of Beirut, specifically in buildings in the neighborhoods of Shweifat Al-Amrousiyeh and Ghobeiry: you are near Hezbollah facilities that the IDF will target in the near future,” Adraee wrote.

The warnings come as part of a broader strategy to limit civilian casualties while striking locations that Israel identifies as critical to Hezbollah’s infrastructure. However, the dense urban layout of Beirut’s southern suburbs poses significant challenges, both in terms of operational precision and the potential for civilian harm.

Previous Strikes Intensify Tensions

On Wednesday, the Israeli Air Force carried out six airstrikes on the same region, following similar evacuation alerts. According to Lebanon’s National News Agency, these strikes hit the Ghobeiry and Haret Hreik neighborhoods, as well as a building located at the busy intersection of Rawdat al-Shahidayn and Chiyah. These areas are not only residential but also house businesses and community services, contributing to the gravity of the damage.

The Israeli government has reiterated that its strikes are aimed at dismantling Hezbollah’s military capabilities. The organization, which holds significant political and military power in Lebanon, has long been at the center of Israeli security concerns. The IDF argues that Hezbollah uses residential areas to shield its operations, complicating efforts to avoid civilian casualties.

Humanitarian and Political Reactions

The airstrikes and subsequent warnings have sparked strong reactions both domestically and internationally. Lebanese officials have condemned the bombings as violations of sovereignty and threats to the civilian population.

“These actions put countless lives at risk,” a senior Lebanese government representative stated, emphasizing that the attacks disproportionately impact civilians who are unable to relocate swiftly.

International humanitarian organizations, including the Red Cross and various UN agencies, have expressed concern about the worsening situation. “We urge all parties to exercise restraint and ensure the safety of civilians,” a spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office declared, adding that forced evacuations in urban settings often lead to chaos and heighten the risk of harm.

Israeli officials maintain that their operations are justified under the principles of self-defense. “We will continue to act against threats to our nation,” an Israeli defense official commented, adding that they have taken steps to minimize civilian casualties by issuing early warnings.

Impact on Residents

For residents of Beirut’s southern suburbs, life has become marked by anxiety and disruption. Many families have started moving out of their homes, seeking refuge with relatives or in safer parts of the city. “We are scared, but we don’t have many options,” said Layla, a mother of three living in Ghobeiry. “Every night, we hear the jets, and we wait for the explosions.”

Schools in the affected areas have been closed, and businesses are operating at reduced capacity or have shut down entirely. The economic impact is immediate, with local shopkeepers and workers voicing their concerns about sustaining their livelihoods amid the turmoil.

“It feels like we’re reliving the same nightmare,” said Mahmoud, who runs a small grocery store in Haret Hreik. “We worry that if things escalate, we might not come back to anything.”

Hezbollah’s Position

Hezbollah, for its part, has issued statements condemning the strikes and calling for Lebanese unity in the face of what it terms “Israeli aggression.” The group’s leadership has vowed to respond at a time and place of its choosing, a declaration that leaves the door open for potential escalation.

Analysts believe that Hezbollah’s response could take various forms, from targeted missile launches into Israeli territory to broader regional actions that may involve allied groups.

A History of Conflict

The current wave of military activity is the latest chapter in a long history of clashes between Israel and Hezbollah. The 2006 war between the two sides left much of southern Lebanon devastated and displaced thousands of residents. While a fragile peace has largely held since then, sporadic exchanges of fire and incidents along the Lebanon-Israel border have maintained a state of tension.

Regional experts warn that the current situation bears the risk of spiraling into a broader conflict. “If both sides continue down this path, we could see a significant escalation that draws in neighboring countries,” cautioned a Middle East analyst. Such a development could have severe implications for a region already grappling with instability.

Calls for De-escalation

Amid rising fears of an expanded conflict, international voices are calling for immediate de-escalation. The European Union and several key global players have urged both Israel and Hezbollah to prioritize diplomacy and prevent further loss of life.

“The focus should be on dialogue,” noted a European foreign affairs official. “The region cannot afford another war.”

As Thursday unfolds, residents and officials alike brace for what may come next. The Israeli military has signaled its intent to continue operations, and the people of Beirut’s southern suburbs are left navigating the uncertainty and trying to protect their loved ones amid an ever-deepening crisis.