Israeli airstrikes killed 22 people and injured more than 100 in central Beirut on Thursday, Lebanese officials reported, amidst an attempt on a senior Hezbollah official’s life in the city, as stated by three security sources.
In southern Lebanon, two UN peacekeepers sustained injuries when an Israeli tank targeted their watchtower at the UN headquarters in Ras al-Naqoura. The UN expressed concern over the increasing danger to its personnel.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which supports the Palestinian militant group Hamas, escalated a year ago with the onset of the Gaza war. Recent weeks have seen an intensification of hostilities, with Israel targeting Beirut’s southern suburbs, southern Lebanon, and the Bekaa Valley, eliminating many of Hezbollah’s senior leaders.
Wafiq Safa, who leads Hezbollah’s liaison and coordination unit with Lebanese security agencies, survived an Israeli assassination attempt on Thursday night, according to security sources.
The Israeli strikes affected a densely populated residential area in Beirut’s heart, damaging apartment buildings and shops. There were no prior evacuation warnings from Israel, which had not previously targeted this area, removed from the often-targeted southern suburbs.
Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported 22 fatalities and 117 injuries. Among the deceased was a family of eight, including three children, who had evacuated from the south.
The UN’s peacekeeping force in Lebanon reported Israeli fire on its positions, marking an escalation in targeting among Hezbollah officials, previously focusing on military commanders.
Israel confirmed it had targeted Muhammad Abdullah, head of the Islamic Jihad’s network in Nur Shams refugee camp, accusing him of attacks against its soldiers. Abdullah and another militant were killed near Tulkarm, as per Israeli military and security statements.
The UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) stated that two of its personnel, part of Indonesia’s contingent, were injured by Israeli tank fire on Thursday. Despite light injuries, both peacekeepers are in good condition.
Jean-Pierre Lacroix, UN peacekeeping chief, informed the Security Council that over 10,400 UN peacekeepers in Lebanon face increasing jeopardy, with operations virtually halted since late September due to the escalating conflict.
The White House expressed deep concern over Israeli forces firing on UN positions and sought details from Israel.
Israeli military operations in the Naqoura area occurred near a UNIFIL base, following which Israel instructed UN forces to remain in protected spaces before opening fire.
UN peacekeepers are committed to maintaining their posts despite Israeli directives, according to UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti.
Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon suggested that UNIFIL relocate north to avoid the intensifying conflict, justifying attacks on Hezbollah as necessary for the return of displaced Israelis to northern Israel.
The region remains tense, with Israel expected to respond to a recent Iranian missile strike. U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris emphasized the need for de-escalation and a ceasefire amid ongoing hostilities in Gaza and Lebanon.
