Iran’s embassy in Beirut condemned Israel’s airstrikes on Dahiyeh, the southern suburbs of Beirut, saying it represents a serious escalation that changes the rules of the game and that Israel will be punished appropriately. Despite Israel’s escalations in Lebanon, Iran has signaled reluctance to get directly involved in Hezbollah’s fight with Israel. In response to the strikes, Hezbollah has bombed Safed in northern Israel. The UN chief has called for a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, emphasizing the need to avoid a regional war. Meanwhile, the UK Foreign Office is urging British nationals in Lebanon to leave immediately.
As Israel braces for potential retaliation, residents of Dahiyeh and nearby areas are fleeing following the airstrikes. The Lebanese army has set up a security cordon around the US embassy in Lebanon. The UN’s special coordinator for Lebanon expressed deep alarm over the potential civilian impact of the Israeli strikes. The health ministry of Lebanon reported that two people were killed and 76 injured in the airstrikes, with the death toll expected to rise as rescue operations continue.
The Pentagon confirmed that the US had no advance warning of the Israeli strike on Beirut, and Lebanon’s health minister described the decimation of residential buildings in the area. An Israeli official expects Hezbollah to mount a major retaliatory attack following the strike on their headquarters. The situation remains tense as world leaders work towards sustaining peace and avoiding further escalation in the region.
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