Israeli jets launch third strike on Hezbollah in Beirut's suburbs
- Israeli jets targeted a Hezbollah missile storage facility in Beirut's Hadath area on April 27, 2025, issuing an evacuation warning beforehand.
- This was the third strike since a ceasefire came into effect in late November 2024, with prior incidents resulting in multiple casualties.
- Lebanese officials have condemned the strikes as a threat to regional stability and have called for international intervention to uphold the ceasefire.
On April 27, 2025, Israeli jets conducted an airstrike in Beirut's southern suburbs, marking a recurring incident since the ceasefire began in late November 2024. This strike followed a prior warning issued by the Israeli military about targeting Hezbollah facilities, specifically a missile storage site in the Hadath area. The strike created panic among residents, who were urged to evacuate the vicinity to avoid potential casualties. The Israeli military reported no immediate casualties but identified that their actions aimed to disrupt militant activities linked to Hezbollah, which they view as a significant threat in the region. Previously, two other strikes occurred on March 28, 2025, and April 1, 2025, with the latter resulting in the deaths of four individuals, including a Hezbollah official. This pattern of strikes speaks to Israel's ongoing conflict with Hezbollah, reflecting historical tensions that have included significant military engagements. In a response to the latest attack, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the strikes, calling on the United States and France to intervene to prevent further escalation and uphold the ceasefire agreement. His statements indicate a broader concern regarding the stability in Lebanon and the risk of renewed violence that could resonate throughout the region. The situation has drawn reactions from international figures as well, such as U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis, who stressed the risks associated with undermining the ceasefire. According to reports, the continued Israeli military actions following the ceasefire have resulted in the deaths of at least 190 individuals in Lebanon, highlighting the escalating violence and resulting humanitarian crisis these strikes have triggered. Moreover, leaders from Hezbollah, including Sheikh Naim Kassem, have warned of potential retaliation if Israeli incursions persist and if the Lebanese government fails to act against them. Kassem emphasized that Hezbollah would not disarm unless Israeli forces withdrew from southern Lebanon and ceased airspace violations, pointing to the persistent unwillingness from both parties to de-escalate tensions. As the region remains precarious, these military strikes illustrate the fragile state of ceasefire agreements and the ongoing struggle for power and security within Lebanon and its border with Israel.