Beirut: An Israeli airstrike struck an apartment in a predominantly Christian neighborhood south-east of Beirut on Monday, targeting a figure linked to the Iran-backed Hezbollah group. A loud explosion was reported in Hazmieh, causing panic among the residents, and ambulances were seen at the site of the targeted building.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Israeli military confirmed that the strike targeted a member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force in Beirut. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported that one person was killed in the attack. Hazmieh is strategically located near the Defence Ministry and Baabda Palace, home to President Joseph Aoun.
In response to the airstrike, Hezbollah announced it had conducted 63 operations against Israeli military positions within the past 24 hours, describing these actions as defensive measures against Israeli aggression. The operations reportedly included rocket fire, drone attacks, and artillery strikes aimed at bases, armored vehicles, and troop concentrations along the border and in northern Israel.
The ongoing conflict has led to increased infrastructure damage in southern Lebanon. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported intense gunfire and explosions around its headquarters in Naqoura, with shrapnel and debris impacting buildings and forcing personnel into shelters. A projectile also struck a building within the UNIFIL compound, believed to be fired by a non-state actor.
Adding to the tension, an Israeli military spokesman announced plans to strike the Dallafa Bridge over the Litani river to prevent the transfer of reinforcements and equipment to Hezbollah. Earlier on Monday, Israeli airstrikes destroyed the Qaqaiyat Bridge, a key crossing over the Litani connecting Nabatieh and Wadi al-Hujair, a strategic Hezbollah stronghold.
The destruction of these bridges has significantly disrupted transportation and isolated several southern villages. Residents south of the Litani river now face increased challenges and dangers due to limited movement in the area.
President Aoun condemned the attacks on the bridges, calling them an attempt to sever the geographical connection between the southern Litani region and the rest of Lebanon. He warned of "suspicious schemes" to establish a buffer zone along the Israeli border, solidifying the reality of occupation within Lebanese territory.
Since the onset of the US-Israeli conflict with Iran on February 28, official figures report over 1,000 deaths and more than 2,700 injuries due to Israeli attacks in Lebanon.