Thousands have fled since Friday’s assault, gathering in public squares, parks, and sidewalks throughout downtown Beirut. On Saturday, Israel launched airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs and other parts of Lebanon, following a significant attack on Hezbollah’s headquarters aimed at eliminating its leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.
Nasrallah’s status remains uncertain, with Hezbollah yet to confirm any details. Reuters reporters reported hearing over 20 airstrikes in Beirut before dawn, with smoke billowing from the Hezbollah-controlled Dahiyeh area.
In the wake of the assault, many have sought refuge in downtown Beirut and along the coast. One resident, Sari, expressed fear for his neighborhood, stating, “They want to destroy Dahiyeh, they want to destroy all of us.” In Martyrs Square, newly displaced individuals set down mats to sleep.
The Israeli military reported that a missile aimed at central Israel landed in an unoccupied area, while about ten projectiles crossed from Lebanon into Israeli territory, with some intercepted. The military also targeted Hezbollah sites in the Bekaa Valley, a region it has heavily bombarded over the past week. Saturday’s airstrikes marked Israel’s most intense assault on Beirut since the beginning of the conflict.
Fears are rising that the situation could escalate further, potentially involving Iran and the United States. There has been no official confirmation of Nasrallah’s fate after the heavy bombardment, although a Hezbollah source indicated he was unreachable.
While Israel has not confirmed its intent to target Nasrallah specifically, a senior official mentioned that top Hezbollah commanders were among the targets. Earlier reports suggested Nasrallah was alive, with Iranian sources also indicating he was safe.
The Israeli military claimed to have killed the commander of Hezbollah’s missile unit and his deputy. Strikes have now expanded to other areas, including Bhamdoun, southeast of Beirut, which reportedly caused no casualties.
In a statement to the United Nations, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed the country’s right to continue military actions against Hezbollah, emphasizing the need for security for Israeli citizens.
Initial reports indicated six deaths and 91 injuries from Friday’s attack, with the toll expected to rise significantly. More than 700 casualties have been reported over the past week.
Hezbollah’s media claimed that several buildings were destroyed in the strikes, while Israel advised residents to evacuate targeted neighborhoods. Residents described fleeing amidst chaos and traffic, carrying only essentials.
The ongoing conflict has displaced around 100,000 people this week, bringing the total to over 200,000 in Lebanon. Hezbollah has retaliated with missile strikes against Israeli targets, while Israel’s air defenses have so far minimized damage.
Iran condemned the attack, claiming it violated “red lines.” Amid rising tensions, international calls for ceasefires and diplomatic solutions have intensified.
