Thu Nov 07 11:34:16 UTC 2024: ## Beirut Airport Remains Operational Despite Israeli Strikes
**Beirut, Lebanon -** Despite Israeli airstrikes targeting the southern suburbs of Beirut, including an area near Beirut International Airport, the airport remains fully operational, Lebanon’s Transport Minister Ali Hamie confirmed on Thursday. While a heater factory adjacent to the airport’s perimeter wall sustained significant damage in one of the strikes, planes continue to take off and land without disruption.
The strikes come amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which escalated in late September. Hezbollah, a Lebanese Shia militia, claimed responsibility for a strike on a military base near Ben Gurion Airport in Israel on Wednesday. This prompted the Israeli military to issue an evacuation order for four neighborhoods in southern Beirut, including one near the airport.
While the overnight strikes caused “minor damage” to some buildings in the vicinity of the airport, the terminal building itself was unharmed. The strikes affected a maintenance building belonging to a subsidiary of Middle East Airlines, Lebanon’s national carrier.
The escalation of violence has forced many residents to flee their homes multiple times. “Death has become a matter of luck,” said Ramzi Zaitar, a resident of Beirut, highlighting the widespread fear and uncertainty gripping the population.
The conflict has already resulted in over 2,600 fatalities in Lebanon, according to Health Minister Firass Abiad. The situation remains tense, with the potential for further escalation a growing concern.
First Piper 