Israel’s Strikes on Beirut Leave City Reeling Amid Rising Tensions

Israel has launched a series of intense strikes targeting the heart of Beirut, leaving six dead and pushing the Lebanese capital into deeper chaos. The strikes, part of Israel’s broader military offensive, hit the Bachoura neighborhood, marking one of the deepest incursions into the city since the conflict began. The death toll from the overnight attack continues to rise as residents grapple with the devastation and sleepless nights.

Beirut has been subjected to relentless airstrikes as the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalates. Hala Kobaissi, a resident of the Salim Salam area, described the horror of the night, where shattered glass and cries of distress filled the air. “Nowhere is secure now,” she said. Others like Hiam Khoury, who lives in the Beirut suburb of Hadath, echoed similar sentiments, describing the nights as a “nightmare” as Israeli jets pounded the city.

The strikes have displaced over a million Lebanese, forcing families to seek shelter in overcrowded areas, playgrounds, and even beaches. Dr. Tania Baban, a humanitarian worker on the ground, described the terror of families being awakened by explosions and ordered to flee immediately. Many, including children, have been forced to sleep in parking lots, while others have erected tents on the streets.

Israel’s decision to strike overnight is seen as a strategic move to gain an advantage. According to security experts, night attacks allow Israeli forces to target high-value individuals within Hezbollah who may be less mobile during these hours. The United States, while urging for a ceasefire, has struggled to bring both parties to the negotiation table, leaving Lebanese residents to endure night after night of trauma.

The escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah shows no signs of abating, with Hezbollah’s communications infrastructure reportedly weakened. However, as Israeli strikes intensify, fear, displacement, and exhaustion continue to grip Beirut’s residents.