An Israeli air strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs has killed a Hezbollah official and three other people, Lebanon’s health ministry says, despite a fragile ceasefire between Israel and the Lebanese armed group. The attack also injured seven people.
The Israeli military targeted Hassan Bdeir, who it alleged had helped Hamas plan an attack against Israeli civilians. However, Hezbollah confirmed that Bdeir was killed along with his son, who was also a member of the group.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the strike as a “dangerous warning”, while Prime Minister Nawaf Salam called it a “flagrant violation” of the ceasefire. The strike occurred in the middle of the night without warning, damaging three floors of an apartment building.
Hezbollah had recently directed Hamas operatives and assisted them in planning an attack against Israeli civilians, according to the Israeli military. However, no details were given about the alleged threat posed by Bdeir’s actions.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah despite a fragile ceasefire. The two sides have been locked in a longstanding conflict that has led to significant loss of life and displacement in Lebanon.
In November, a ceasefire came into force after more than 13 months of conflict with Hezbollah. However, near-daily air strikes on people and targets linked to Hezbollah continue, with Israel saying it is acting to stop the group from rearming. Lebanon’s government considers these attacks a violation of the truce.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c77nxzl3zj8o