Insights on Friday’s Air Raids in Lebanon: Explainer News

Israel launched a series of heavy attacks targeting Hezbollah’s central headquarters in the southern suburbs of Beirut, causing massive explosions and destroying buildings in the neighbourhood of Dahiyeh. Civil defence teams are working to put out fires and deal with potential casualties. The densely populated area is home to over half a million civilians who have been evacuating due to previous attacks in the area. Israel accuses Hezbollah of using civilians as human shields by locating their headquarters under residential buildings. Reports suggest that Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, was at the headquarters during the attack, but sources close to the group deny this and claim he is safe. The attacks came as negotiations for a ceasefire were reportedly underway, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel will continue to fight against Hezbollah. Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the attacks, stating that Israel does not care about international efforts for peace. The United States was not informed in advance about the attacks, as Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant spoke with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin during the assault. The situation remains volatile as tensions between Israel and Hezbollah escalate.

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