Israeli Airstrike in Beirut Causes Casualties

An Israeli airstrike on November 18, 2024, targeted the Zoqaq al-Blat neighborhood in central Beirut, striking near key government and diplomatic sites including the U.N. headquarters and Lebanon's Parliament, resulting in at least five deaths and numerous injuries. This attack marked a resumption of Israeli bombardments in Lebanon after a month-long pause, aimed at weakening the Iranian-backed Hezbollah following ongoing hostilities in the region. The U.S. has been actively pursuing cease-fire negotiations, but recent airstrikes have complicated these efforts, leading to heightened tensions. Reports indicate that the strikes have caused significant civilian casualties, with some sources citing as many as 76 deaths in Gaza from Israeli forces on a single day. Local officials have condemned the attacks as terror tactics, reflecting the escalating violence and instability in Lebanon. Amid this turmoil, Lebanon's Parliament Speaker is set to meet with a U.S. envoy to discuss potential peace proposals.