An Israeli airstrike on an apartment building in Beirut overnight resulted in the tragic deaths of at least six individuals, as confirmed by Lebanon's Health Ministry. The incident occurred amidst escalating tensions in the region, with Israel engaging in military actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon and conducting strikes in Gaza that claimed numerous lives, including children. The Israeli military reported the loss of eight soldiers in the conflict in southern Lebanon.
The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency meeting to address the rapidly deteriorating situation in the Middle East. Iran's ambassador to the U.N. revealed that nearly 200 missiles were launched at Israel as a deterrent to further Israeli aggression, prompting strong reactions from both sides.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed retaliation following the missile barrage, while an Iranian commander warned of broader strikes on infrastructure if Israel proceeded with its actions. U.S. President Biden expressed opposition to an Israeli attack targeting Iran's nuclear program.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has intensified, with daily exchanges of fire across the Lebanon border since a cross-border attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023. The toll of the violence is devastating, with over 41,000 Palestinians killed in the Gaza Strip, including a significant number of women and children.
Evacuation Efforts Underway
Amidst the escalating conflict, countries are mobilizing to evacuate their citizens from Lebanon. Japan dispatched military jets to prepare for potential airlift operations, while Australia announced plans for evacuation flights to ensure the safety of its nationals in the region.
Lebanon's Health Ministry updated the death toll from the Israeli airstrike in central Beirut to six, with several others injured in the attack. Reports of the use of internationally banned phosphorous bombs have raised concerns, with accusations leveled against Israel for employing such munitions.
The situation remains volatile, with Israel's U.N. ambassador condemning Iran as a 'danger to the world' and emphasizing Israel's commitment to self-defense. In response, Iran's U.N. ambassador defended Iran's actions as necessary to restore balance in the face of escalating Israeli aggression.
