Fresh explosions rocked southern Beirut earlier today, with witnesses reporting a series of Israeli airstrikes on the Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs of the city. Israel’s Foreign Minister rejected calls for a ceasefire with Hezbollah, leading to hundreds of deaths and escalating fears of regional war. The strikes destroyed buildings in Beirut, with thick smoke rising over the city. In response, Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel, causing displacement in northern Israel.
Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the UN General Assembly, declaring that Israel is winning and calling for a peace agreement with Saudi Arabia. He criticized the UN and ICC prosecutor, emphasizing Israel’s efforts to minimize civilian casualties. Australian Prime Minister urged Netanyahu to listen to the international community amid escalating conflict. Lebanon’s Health Minister reported 25 deaths from Israeli strikes, while Lebanon’s Health Ministry tallied nearly 700 casualties this week.
The UN described the Israeli attacks targeting Hezbollah militants as “catastrophic.” Over 30,000 people, mainly Syrians, crossed into Lebanon from Syria in the past 72 hours. Australia suggested a clear timeline for the international declaration of Palestinian statehood. A US-based aid worker was shot and killed in Gaza, and the American embassy in Beirut stated it was not evacuating US citizens at the time. Diplomats left the UN General Assembly chamber ahead of Netanyahu’s speech.
Overall, the situation in Beirut remains dire, with ongoing airstrikes, rocket fire, and escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah threatening to spur a wider and more serious conflict.
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