At least 31 people, including three children and seven women, were killed in an Israeli strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs on Friday, the Lebanese health ministry confirmed. Initially believed to have killed 14 people, the strike also targeted a senior Hezbollah leader, Ibrahim Aqil. The attack has raised concerns about escalating violence in the region, prompting the UN to warn against further conflict.
In response, Israel has challenged the International Criminal Court’s request for arrest warrants against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes in Gaza. The ICC’s prosecutor sought warrants against top Hamas leaders as well. The recent violence has also led to calls for diplomatic efforts to prevent a larger regional conflict.
Hezbollah confirmed the death of Ibrahim Aqil, a top military leader, who was killed in the Israeli airstrike. The group also mourned the loss of other members, calling Aqil’s life one of jihad. The strike in Beirut is part of a series of escalating attacks between Israel and Hezbollah, raising concerns of further devastation and suffering.
As international efforts continue to address the situation, countries like the UK and the US are making preparations to evacuate citizens from Lebanon due to the ongoing hostilities. Despite the tensions, US President Joe Biden remains optimistic about reaching a ceasefire agreement in Gaza. The situation remains volatile, with a need for diplomatic solutions to prevent further loss of life and damage.
Source
Photo credit www.theguardian.com
