Israeli strike kills 3 and wounds 17 in Beirut

On Friday, Lebanese health authorities reported casualties from an Israeli airstrike in Beirut, marking the first such attack on the city in months. The strike resulted in at least three fatalities and 17 injuries, occurring shortly after Hezbollah launched a significant rocket barrage into northern Israel in retaliation for previous Israeli actions. The airstrike targeted the densely populated Dahiyeh area, where explosions were heard, indicating the severity of the attack. The Israeli military confirmed that it had conducted strikes across southern Lebanon, aiming at Hezbollah infrastructure. This escalation follows a series of exchanges between Hezbollah and Israel, which have intensified since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7. Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, had vowed to retaliate against Israeli strikes that had previously targeted their communication devices, leading to significant casualties among their ranks. In the days leading up to the airstrike, Israel had reported targeting rocket launchers in southern Lebanon, claiming they posed an imminent threat to its territory. The ongoing conflict has seen near-daily exchanges of fire, with both sides ramping up their military responses. The situation has created a tense atmosphere in the region, with Israeli authorities urging residents in northern areas to remain vigilant and prepared for further attacks. The broader context includes a significant humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where thousands have been killed and wounded since the conflict began. The ongoing violence and military actions from both sides have raised concerns about the potential for further escalation and the impact on civilian populations in both Lebanon and Israel.