Israel strikes key Hezbollah drone site in Beirut
- Israel conducted airstrikes on Beirut, targeting a facility used by Hezbollah to store drones.
- The attack follows a renewed campaign of violence, with Hezbollah launching strikes into northern Israel.
- This escalation demonstrates the fragile state of the ceasefire and the ongoing threat posed by militant groups in Lebanon.
On March 28, 2025, Israel launched airstrikes on the Lebanese capital, Beirut, marking the first attack since a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah was established in November 2024. The Israeli military indicated that the strikes were aimed at destroying a Hezbollah drone storage facility located in the Dahiyeh area, considered a stronghold of the militant group. This escalation occurred following Hezbollah's recent offensive activities, including the launching of rockets and missiles into northern Israel, which prompted Israel to retaliate. The Israeli military had warned residents in Arabic to evacuate certain neighborhoods ahead of the attack. In response to the ongoing conflict, Lebanese authorities reacted swiftly by closing schools and universities in the impacted areas of Beirut, particularly in the southern suburb of Hadath. Tensions have been high in the region since the resumption of hostilities, following several months of relative calm under the ceasefire. Despite the ceasefire agreement, Israeli air operations targeting Hezbollah have been frequently reported in southern Lebanon. The Israeli government has emphasized that its military actions aim to counter any threats emanating from Lebanese territory. This resurgence of violence has led to significant casualties and displacement. The latest series of airstrikes resulted in additional fatalities in Lebanon, with reports indicating that at least six individuals were killed in previous air operations. The Lebanese population has already suffered greatly from the conflict, with over 4,000 casualties and approximately 60,000 Israelis displaced due to the ongoing skirmishes and assaults between Israeli forces and militant groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. The complexities of the conflict in the region are fueled by historical animosities, territorial disputes, and the involvement of various militant factions backed by differing foreign powers. The United Nations and international leaders have expressed growing concern regarding the violence, calling for peace and a resumption of dialogue. Lebanon's President, Joseph Aoun, has particularly denounced the airstrikes as violations of the ceasefire agreement established through international mediation, signaling the bleak outlook for stability in Lebanon and surrounding areas.