Israeli Airstrike on Beirut Suburb Kills Five, Wounds 28 in Major Escalation
Attack on Haret Hreik marks a sharp violation of the so-called ceasefire, as Lebanon warns of regional destabilization
Lebanon, PUREWILAYAH.COM — The Israeli occupation carried out a deadly airstrike on Beirut’s Southern Suburb on Sunday, killing five civilians and injuring 28 others in what Lebanese authorities described as a blatant and unprecedented violation of the ongoing so-called ceasefire.
Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health confirmed the casualties in an official statement, revealing that the Israeli attack targeted the fourth and fifth floors of a civilian residential building on al-Areed Street in Haret Hreik — a densely populated area in Dahia.
The strike came under the pretext of assassinating an alleged “prominent Hezbollah commander,” continuing Israel’s long-standing pattern of justifying aggression with unverified claims.
A Sharp Violation in a Year of Constant Israeli Breaches
The attack represents a serious escalation in a series of over 5,000 Israeli violations of the ceasefire imposed last year between the Lebanese government and the Israeli occupation.
Residents described Sunday’s strike as one of the most aggressive since the start of Israel’s campaign against Lebanon’s south and the Beqaa Valley.
In addition to the Beirut strike, Israeli forces launched a drone attack on the town of Aita al-Shaab in the Bint Jbeil district, killing one civilian after targeting a vehicle.
An Israeli reconnaissance aircraft also dropped a bomb near the historic spring in Odaisseh, further heightening tension along the border.
Lebanese President: Israel Rejects Peace and International Law
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun condemned the attack as another demonstration of Israel’s contempt for international resolutions and global appeals for de-escalation.
“The Israeli attack on Beirut’s southern suburb is further proof that it pays no attention to repeated calls to halt its aggression, and that it rejects efforts aimed at restoring stability — not only to Lebanon, but to the entire region.”
President Aoun emphasized that Lebanon has adhered to the cessation of hostilities for nearly a year, submitting multiple initiatives to prevent escalation. He called on the international community to “assume its responsibilities” and confront Israeli aggression before the situation deteriorates further.
Prime Minister: National Unity Needed Against Israeli Aggression
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam echoed the condemnation, stressing that the attack underscores the need for unified action within Lebanon’s government and institutions.
“Protecting the Lebanese people and preventing the country from sliding into dangerous territory is the government’s priority at this critical moment.”
Salam affirmed that Lebanon will continue to work through political and diplomatic channels with regional and international partners to force a halt to Israeli aggression, secure the withdrawal of occupation forces from Lebanese land, and ensure the return of Lebanese prisoners.
He further stated that lasting stability can only be achieved through the full implementation of UN Resolution 1701, extending state authority across all Lebanese territory and enabling the Lebanese Army to fulfill its responsibilities.
A Deliberate Provocation Amid U.S.-Backed Israeli Escalation
The attack on Beirut’s residential district comes as part of Israel’s broader U.S.-backed campaign to impose new rules of engagement across Lebanon.
With Washington continuing to shield Israel diplomatically and militarily, the occupation has intensified cross-border assaults despite ceasefire terms — a pattern widely viewed as deliberate provocation intended to destabilize the region.
As the humanitarian toll mounts, Lebanese officials warn that Israel’s unchecked aggression risks igniting a wider confrontation in West Asia. (PW)