Israeli Airstrikes on Beirut and Baalbek Escalate Israel-Hezbollah Conflict
The latest wave of Israel airstrikes Lebanon has intensified the conflict, with Israeli forces bombing a hotel in Beirut and a residential building in eastern Lebanon, killing and wounding dozens as forced evacuation orders expand across the country.
Beirut Hotel Hit Without Warning
Israeli forces struck the Comfort Hotel on the border of Hazmieh and Baabda in greater Beirut on Wednesday, according to Lebanese state media. Footage from the scene showed blown-out windows, shattered walls, and debris scattered across the area.
Reports indicate the strike occurred without warning, raising speculation it may have been an attempted targeted killing. The Israeli military has not confirmed the intended target but said it is attacking what it describes as Hezbollah infrastructure in Beirut, particularly in densely populated southern suburbs.
At least four people were wounded, including one in critical condition, Lebanese army officials said.
Deadly Strike in Baalbek
In the eastern city of Baalbek, near the Syrian border, an Israeli strike on a residential building in the al-Matraba neighbourhood killed four people and injured 11 others. Rescue workers were seen searching through the rubble of a collapsed multistorey structure.
Additional air raids in Aramoun and Saadiyat in Mount Lebanon reportedly killed six people and wounded eight more.
More than 40 people have now been killed in Lebanon since this front of the Israel-Hezbollah conflict reignited.
Mass Displacement Orders Issued
The Israeli military’s Arabic-language spokesperson issued new forced displacement orders for residents in Beirut’s Haret Hreik neighbourhood, releasing a map marking buildings allegedly affiliated with Hezbollah and urging civilians to flee immediately.
Separate “urgent warnings” called on residents of 16 towns in southern Lebanon to evacuate, followed by evacuation notices for 13 additional towns. These orders come after more than 50 southern towns were told to clear out earlier this week, as Israel seeks to establish a larger buffer zone.
Cross-Border Fire Intensifies
Hezbollah said it fired rockets at Israeli forces in the northern town of Metulla and launched a missile attack targeting a naval base in Haifa.
The Israeli military reported intercepting most incoming projectiles, with one landing in an open area.
Israel also warned that it would “not tolerate” Iranian representatives in Lebanon, giving them 24 hours to leave or face possible strikes.
International Concerns Grow
Human Rights Watch warned that targeting individuals not directly involved in hostilities would violate international law, calling any threat against non-combatants “deeply disturbing.”
Observers say the Israel-Hezbollah conflict is escalating rapidly, with no clear frontline and no active diplomatic mediation underway to halt the fighting.
As Israel airstrikes Lebanon continue, fears are mounting of a broader regional war and worsening humanitarian crisis.
Source: Al Jazeera