Israeli Airstrikes Continue in Beirut and Gaza Amid Ongoing Conflict
Israeli forces have launched airstrikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut for the third consecutive day, with new reports confirming attacks in at least three areas before dawn on Thursday. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) targeted the Ghobeiry neighborhood later in the day. Avichay Adraee, the IDF’s Arabic-language spokesperson, issued new evacuation orders for southern Beirut, warning that Israeli forces would target buildings allegedly used by Hezbollah.
In a separate attack, Lebanon’s civil defense reported the complete destruction of its center in Baalbek, located northeast of Beirut. Several personnel were trapped inside at the time of the strike, and ongoing search and rescue efforts are underway. The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health confirmed that 12 people were killed in what it called a “barbaric” assault on a state-run health center.
Meanwhile, in the southern Gaza Strip, an airstrike in the Mawasi region, which Israel had designated as a humanitarian zone, led to a massive explosion. The blast destroyed equipment at one of the evacuated clinics run by Doctors Without Borders. The strike also hit tents sheltering displaced people, injuring at least seven. The IDF said that it had issued prior warnings before the airstrike, which was aimed at dismantling a launcher intended for use against Israel.
Other Key Developments
- Syrian Strikes: Syrian state media reported that Israeli airstrikes killed at least 15 people in Damascus and the Rif Dimashq governorate. The strikes occurred during a visit by Ali Larijani, a senior advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader, who met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
- Hostages Discussion: U.S. Presidents Joe Biden and Donald Trump discussed the issue of American hostages held in Gaza in a meeting at the White House. National security advisor Jake Sullivan said the U.S. is prepared to work with the incoming team to address this issue.
- Soccer Match Security: In Paris, 4,000 law enforcement officers have been deployed ahead of a soccer match between Israel and France, following violence after a previous match between Israeli and Dutch teams.
- Casualty Update: The ongoing conflict has led to significant casualties. The Gaza Health Ministry reports 43,736 deaths and 103,370 injuries in Gaza. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reports 3,386 deaths and 14,417 injuries. In Israel, the death toll from Hamas’s October 7th attack is estimated at 1,200, including more than 300 soldiers. Israel also reports 373 soldiers killed in its military operation in Gaza.
