Israel conducted a series of heavy airstrikes overnight targeting the southern suburbs of Beirut and a major border crossing between Lebanon and Syria. These strikes follow Israel’s warning for residents in southern Lebanon to evacuate areas outside the UN-designated buffer zone as the conflict with Hezbollah intensifies.
Israel initiated a ground incursion into Lebanon on Tuesday, clashing with Hezbollah forces along the border. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Beirut to discuss the escalating violence after Iran launched missiles into Israel earlier in the week.
The overnight airstrikes rocked Beirut’s southern suburbs, with multiple explosions reported. An Israeli strike also cut off the Masnaa Border Crossing, halting thousands of people fleeing the war. This was the first time the crossing had been blocked since the conflict began.
Since the Israel-Hamas war erupted in October 2023, violence across the region has escalated, with thousands of casualties reported on both sides.
