'Very violent' strikes shake Beirut as Israel vows no respite for Hezbollah

Israel's military campaign against the Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon continued with intense airstrikes and ground operations, marking one of the most violent phases of the conflict yet.

In Short

• Israel hits Hezbollah targets in Lebanon in fresh strikes
• Southern Beirut rocked by explosions, road to airport hit
• IDF chief vows continued pressure, no relief for Hezbollah

Israel continued its campaign against Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon on Saturday with a series of intense strikes targeting command centres, weapons caches, tunnels, and other infrastructure. Explosions rocked southern Beirut and surrounding areas for over two hours in what has been described as one of the most violent barrages so far.

Lt Gen Herzi Halevi, Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), said, "We must continue exerting pressure on Hezbollah and creating additional and lasting damage to the enemy. Without relief and without allowing a respite for the organisation."

MIDDLE EAST TENSIONS: KEY DEVELOPMENTS

1. The bombardment began late on Saturday and continued into Sunday. Strong explosions rocked Beirut and its outskirts following Israeli military warnings for residents to evacuate areas in Dahiyeh, a predominantly Shiite suburb of Beirut.

2. At least eight strikes hit Beirut’s southern suburbs, including areas close to the country’s main airport. Lebanon’s National News Agency described the strikes as "very violent".

3. Israel also intensified its ground operations in Lebanon, but Hezbollah claimed to have repelled an Israeli attempt to storm into a border village. The armed group said its fighters launched artillery shells at Israeli troops, forcing them to retreat.
4. The IDF reported that approximately 30 projectiles were fired from Lebanon into Israeli territory on Sunday morning, some of which were intercepted. On Saturday, about 130 projectiles were launched into Israel.
5. Israel said its military operations have resulted in the deaths of "some 440 Hezbollah terrorists, including 30 commanders" since the start of its ground incursion in Lebanon. Key targets include slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah's potential successor, Hashem Safieddine.
6. In a new escalation, Israel launched its first strike in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli. A Hamas field commander, Saeed Atallah Ali, along with his wife and two daughters, were killed in the strike, according to Hamas sources
7. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported that at least 2,036 people have been killed and 9,535 wounded since the start of Israel’s war in Gaza last October. The majority of these casualties occurred in recent weeks following targeted strikes on Hezbollah.
8. Huge rallies calling for a ceasefire were held in several European cities, including Rome, London, New York, Paris, and Hamburg. Pro-Palestinian protesters clashed with police in some locations, resulting in injuries and arrests.

9. President Emmanuel Macron's call that arms shipments to Israel be halted as part of efforts to find a political solution to the Gaza conflict was met with strong criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

   "Shame on themâ€æ Israel will win with or without their support," Netanyahu said, referring to Macron and other Western leaders who he claimed are pushing for an arms embargo on Israel.

10. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reached out to his counterparts in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and France to discuss diplomatic solutions, including a ceasefire and negotiations for the release of hostages in Gaza.