Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati has condemned Israel’s intensified strikes on Lebanon, accusing it of rejecting ceasefire efforts after Israeli forces carried out a series of bombings on Beirut’s southern suburbs early Friday. The strikes mark the first instance of Israeli bombardment in this area in the ongoing conflict, leading to substantial damage and raising regional tensions further.
At least ten airstrikes hit southern Beirut suburbs in the early hours, shortly after the Israeli military issued warnings to residents to evacuate. Footage captured by AFPTV showed large explosions and dense smoke plumes rising from the area. According to Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA), the bombings caused widespread destruction, reducing several buildings to rubble and igniting fires across multiple locations. Strikes also targeted areas southeast of Beirut, including Aley and Bint Jbeil in southern Lebanon, in what the Lebanese government called an “expansion” of Israel’s offensive.
Prime Minister Mikati criticized Israel’s actions, stating they indicate a clear refusal to cooperate in efforts to establish a ceasefire. “The Israeli enemy’s renewed expansion…and targeting of southern Beirut with destructive raids are all indicators that confirm the Israeli enemy’s rejection of all efforts being made to secure a ceasefire,” Mikati said.
The airstrikes followed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s meeting with senior U.S. officials on Thursday, which included discussions on a possible truce in Lebanon. During the meeting, Netanyahu emphasized that any ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah must prioritize Israel’s long-term security.
In the same period, Israeli forces also carried out fresh bombings on Baalbek, an eastern Lebanese city famous for its ancient Roman ruins. According to the NNA, earlier strikes on Baalbek killed six people on Thursday, and six others died in the nearby Maqna region.
A source with knowledge of the talks reported that U.S.-mediated negotiations might propose a plan requiring Hezbollah to withdraw at least 30 kilometers north of the Litani River. This arrangement would allow Israeli forces to pull back, with the Lebanese army, supported by UN peacekeepers, taking charge of the border area.
Meanwhile, Lebanese and international health organizations have raised alarms over the impact of the conflict on healthcare workers and facilities. The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a statement underscoring that healthcare workers are “not a target,” as concerns grow about attacks on medical staff and facilities in Lebanon.
In Gaza, Israel’s airstrikes have continued, with at least nine fatalities reported in strikes on Jabalia and Nuseirat. The Gaza health ministry reported severe overcrowding at hospitals, with Marwan al-Hams, director of Gaza’s field hospitals, stating that the morgue at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir el-Balah is at capacity, predominantly with women and children.
Diplomatic efforts have been underway to negotiate a temporary ceasefire and prisoner-hostage exchange. A proposal reportedly under discussion would see Hamas release Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and increased aid to Gaza. However, senior Hamas official Taher al-Nunu reiterated the group’s position on Thursday, emphasizing that Hamas opposes a short-term ceasefire, instead calling for a permanent resolution to the conflict.
According to the latest figures from Gaza’s health ministry, verified by the United Nations, Israel’s ongoing retaliatory strikes and ground campaign following the October 7 conflict escalation have resulted in 43,259 deaths, with the majority being civilians.
