Israeli Airstrikes Hit Beirut Suburbs Early Wednesday
- Israeli jets targeted Hezbollah assets in the southern suburbs of Beirut on October 16, 2024.
- The strikes hit a weapons warehouse located under a residential building, contributing to the ongoing conflict that has displaced around 1.2 million people in Lebanon.
- The escalation of violence follows Hezbollah's rocket attacks into Israel, indicating a deepening crisis in the region.
On October 16, 2024, Israeli jets conducted airstrikes in the southern suburbs of Beirut, marking the first such action in six days. The strikes targeted Hezbollah assets, which are located in a densely populated area known for its residential and commercial buildings. The Israeli military reported that one of the strikes hit a weapons warehouse situated beneath a residential structure. This escalation follows a period of heightened tensions, with Hezbollah launching rockets into Israel in solidarity with Hamas after their surprise attack on southern Israel on October 8. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant displacement, with approximately 1.2 million people affected in Lebanon. The situation remains precarious, as the casualty count from the latest strikes is still unclear, and the international community watches closely for further developments. The strikes come shortly after Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati received assurances from the U.S. regarding a potential easing of Israeli military actions in the region, highlighting the complex geopolitical dynamics at play.