Israeli jets hit Beirut suburbs in fresh ceasefire violation

Strikes hit southern Beirut

The Israeli army launched airstrikes on the Dahiyeh district in southern Beirut on Sunday in a clear violation of the ceasefire that has been in effect since April 17, with warplanes striking the densely populated area without prior warning, an Anadolu reporter said. Two explosions rocked the neighborhood as smoke rose from the targeted sites, adding to the destruction in the Lebanese capital. The Israeli army stated that the strikes had targeted a site belonging to Hezbollah, the Lebanese group.

Ministers demand escalation

Sunday's attack followed explicit demands by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich for airstrikes on Dahiyeh. The ministers issued their call after Hezbollah launched two drone attacks on northern Israel earlier in the day, challenging the truce that began on April 17. The Israeli military has maintained a continuous bombing campaign across Lebanon since early March alongside ground operations that have occupied several towns in the country's south.

Civilian toll rises

The Israeli offensive has killed more than 3,700 people and wounded nearly 11,500 since March 2, according to Lebanese officials. Over 1.5 million people have been displaced by the fighting, which has devastated communities across the country. The violence has persisted despite repeated diplomatic efforts to maintain the April ceasefire.