Beirut Faces Devastation as Israeli Airstrikes Escalate Tensions with Hezbollah

Beirut has become the focal point of intense Israeli airstrikes as violence in the region escalates. In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, explosions shook Beirut’s southern suburbs on Thursday, sending plumes of smoke rising over the city and forcing civilians to flee. Israel’s military called for evacuations from over 20 towns in southern Lebanon, including the provincial capital Nabatieh, as it continued its offensive.

Beirut Under Fire

Israeli airstrikes targeted Hezbollah strongholds in Beirut, with three major strikes hitting the southern suburbs. The Lebanese National News Agency (NNA) confirmed that one of the strikes targeted the Haret Hreik neighborhood, a known base of Hezbollah’s media operations. The blasts were so powerful that large sections of Beirut were covered in smoke, with residents describing the scene as chaotic and terrifying.

The strikes on Beirut are part of a broader military campaign by Israel, which has been at war with Hamas in Gaza for nearly a year. Now, the focus has expanded to Hezbollah in Lebanon, as Israel seeks to weaken the Iran-backed militant group that poses a significant threat along its northern border.

Civilians Fleeing Beirut

As the airstrikes on Beirut intensified, more than 1.2 million people have been displaced in Lebanon, with many seeking shelter in makeshift locations across the city. A former nightclub in Beirut, once known for its vibrant nightlife, has now become a refuge for hundreds of displaced families. Civilians caught in the conflict describe the situation as dire, with ongoing bombardments making it difficult to find safety.

Gaelle Irani, a former guest relations manager at the nightclub-turned-shelter, said, “It’s overwhelming. We used to welcome people for parties, and now we’re registering families trying to survive. Beirut is in pain.”

Regional Tensions Rise

Beirut’s current suffering is part of a larger, volatile situation in the Middle East, with Hezbollah retaliating against Israeli incursions by detonating an improvised explosive device (IED) in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah also reported losses, including 15 of its members killed in an Israeli strike on Bint Jbeil, a southern Lebanese town.

The intensifying conflict has drawn global attention, with Iran warning that any further Israeli attacks will be met with a “decisive response.” The United States has backed Israel, pledging support against Hezbollah and other Iran-backed militias operating in the region.

Beirut Caught in a Broader Conflict

Beirut, already reeling from the aftermath of the 2020 port explosion, now finds itself at the heart of this latest conflict. As the city endures relentless airstrikes, its future hangs in the balance amid rising civilian casualties and widespread displacement.

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati called for international intervention, stressing that Beirut and the rest of Lebanon cannot bear the brunt of the fighting any longer. With regional actors like Iran, the Houthis, and Iraqi militias becoming more involved, the situation in Beirut risks drawing in even more external powers, further complicating prospects for peace.