Israel conducted an airstrike in southern Beirut, targeting a senior Hezbollah commander named Fuad Shukur, also known as Hajj Mohsin. Shukur was allegedly responsible for a rocket attack that killed 12 children. The attack resulted in one woman killed and several others injured. There were fears of escalating conflict in the region after the strike.
The US had been working diplomatically to prevent Israel from targeting Beirut or Lebanese infrastructure, to avoid widespread conflict. The White House and US Defence Secretary expressed hope that war between Hezbollah and Israel could be avoided.
Following the airstrike, people in Beirut expressed uncertainty and anxiety about the situation. Some residents began to leave the area and queues formed at petrol stations out of fear of further escalation. Lebanon’s foreign minister denounced the strike and vowed to file a complaint with the United Nations.
The strike on Beirut was condemned by Russia as a violation of international law, while Iran criticized it as “sinful and cowardly aggression.” Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, described the strike as a direct response to the attack in the Golan Heights, where Israeli civilians were killed.
The choice of target, Shukur, a senior Hezbollah figure, may have been aimed at sending a broader message to the group. Shukur has been involved in various Hezbollah campaigns and operations spanning several decades. The strike raises concerns about potential escalation and the ability to manage a situation that could lead to full-blown conflict in the region. Countries, including the UK, Germany, France, and America, have advised citizens to leave Lebanon or avoid traveling there due to the fast-moving events. Many airlines have also suspended flights to Beirut.
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