Israel Strikes Beirut; President Aoun Seeks US, France Response

Israeli forces struck Beirut’s southern suburbs, targeting what they described as a Hezbollah missile storage facility, after issuing evacuation warnings to residents. The attack, which resulted in significant property damage but no immediate casualties reported, marks the third such Israeli strike on the Lebanese capital since a ceasefire agreement was established in late November. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the strike, urging the United States and France—guarantors of the ceasefire—to pressure Israel to halt its attacks, warning that continued violations risk destabilizing the region. Local and international observers noted widespread panic among residents, with concerns that Israel’s actions could be escalating tensions and potentially rewriting established rules of engagement. The Israeli military asserted the strikes were in response to Hezbollah’s weapons storage, but did not provide evidence for this claim. The incident has heightened fears of renewed violence and broader regional instability.