Israel Launches Massive Airstrikes In Southern Lebanon

Flames and smoke rise from Israeli airstrikes in Dahiyeh, Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

Israel conducted a series of significant airstrikes in the southern suburbs of Beirut and also targeted the main border crossing between Lebanon and Syria. The strikes were part of an escalating conflict between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

Following warnings to evacuate communities outside a United Nations buffer zone in southern Lebanon, Israel initiated a ground incursion into the region. Clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants ensued along the border, resulting in the deaths of key Hezbollah members, including leader Hassan Nasrallah.

The airstrikes in Beirut's southern suburbs caused massive explosions, sending plumes of smoke and flames into the night sky. The Israeli military did not immediately disclose the intended targets, and casualty information was not immediately available.

Lebanon's National News Agency reported more than 10 consecutive airstrikes in the area, with one strike leading to the closure of the road near the Masnaa Border Crossing, a crucial route for those fleeing conflict in Lebanon to enter Syria.

Airstrikes in Beirut caused massive explosions with undisclosed targets and casualties.

Israel targeted Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, leading to clashes and key member deaths.

Israeli ground incursion followed warnings to evacuate communities in southern Lebanon.

Masnaa Border Crossing between Lebanon and Syria was targeted due to Hezbollah military activity.

Israeli warplanes damaged the road between Masnaa Border Crossing and Jdeidet Yabous in Syria.

Violence in the West Bank resulted in 18 casualties in Tulkarem refugee camp.

Tensions heightened in the region post-Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza in October 2023.

Israeli military spokespersons indicated that Hezbollah was attempting to transport military equipment through the border crossing, prompting the airstrike. Hezbollah is known to receive weaponry from Iran via Syria and has been actively involved in the Syrian conflict alongside President Bashar Assad's forces.

Israeli warplanes fired missiles that damaged the road between the Masnaa Border Crossing in Lebanon and the Syrian crossing point of Jdeidet Yabous, cutting off this major border crossing for the first time since the conflict began. Border crossings between Lebanon and Syria are under state supervision, with most remaining open despite the recent closure.

Violence has also erupted in the West Bank, with an Israeli strike in Tulkarem resulting in 18 casualties in a refugee camp. The region has witnessed heightened tensions since the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza in October 2023, with significant casualties reported in both Palestinian territories and Lebanon.