Fri Mar 28 16:31:20 UTC 2025: ## Israel Strikes Beirut in Escalation of Regional Conflict
**BEIRUT, Lebanon (March 28, 2025) –** In a significant escalation of the ongoing regional conflict, Israel launched an airstrike on the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, on Friday, marking the first attack on the Lebanese capital since a November ceasefire with Hezbollah. The Israeli military claimed the strike targeted a Hezbollah drone storage facility, a key stronghold of the militant group. However, the targeted area is a residential and commercial zone, near at least two schools. Residents reported a loud explosion and subsequent smoke, and many fled the area before the strike.
The attack follows Israel’s urgent warning for civilians to evacuate, promising retaliation for rocket fire originating from Lebanon into northern Israel. Hezbollah denied responsibility for the rocket attacks. Lebanon’s government responded by closing schools in the affected area.
This incident represents a major breach of the November ceasefire. While Israel has conducted near-daily strikes in southern Lebanon since the ceasefire, Friday’s attack on Beirut marks a significant escalation. The Israeli Defence Minister stated that peace in Israel’s north is contingent upon peace in Beirut.
The strike comes amidst a broader regional crisis. The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah erupted after Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. The resulting war caused thousands of casualties in both Lebanon and Israel. The ceasefire, originally set to end in late January, has been repeatedly broken by Israeli airstrikes, including one last week that killed six people.
International condemnation followed the Beirut strike. Lebanon’s President, Joseph Aoun, called it a violation of the ceasefire agreement, while the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon expressed deep concern about the escalating situation. Further Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon Friday resulted in additional casualties.
The escalation occurs as Israel has also ended its ceasefire with Hamas and launched fresh strikes in Gaza, further exacerbating the tense regional situation. Israel is demanding Hamas release hostages and disarm, while Hamas has conditioned the release on reciprocal actions from Israel. The ongoing conflict continues to cause immense suffering and displacement.
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