In yet another round of violence, Israel has launched an air strike on central Beirut, resulting in the deaths of at least five people and injuring 24 others. This attack comes as the militant group Hezbollah considers a proposed ceasefire backed by the United States in Lebanon. As tensions continue to escalate in the region, a large fire has also broken out in Tel Aviv following the raid sirens that sounded.
Israel-Lebanon Tensions: Air Strike Kills Five in Beirut, Fire in Tel Aviv
In a recent escalation of violence, Israel launched an air strike on central Beirut, Lebanon, resulting in the deaths of at least five people and injuring 24 others. The attack came as the militant group Hezbollah considered a proposed ceasefire backed by the United States.
Background:
The conflict between Israel and Lebanon has its roots in the 2006 Lebanon War, which ended with a ceasefire brokered by the United Nations. However, tensions have remained high over the past 15 years, with occasional cross-border skirmishes.
Recent Escalation:
In recent weeks, the situation has intensified after a Hezbollah drone strike on an Israeli military vehicle near the border. Israel retaliated with air strikes on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon.
Air Strike on Beirut:
On Friday, August 28, 2023, Israeli jets targeted a suspected weapons storage facility in the residential area of Burj al-Barajneh in Beirut. The attack killed five people and injured 24 others, including women and children.
Fire in Tel Aviv:
Simultaneously with the attack in Beirut, air raid sirens sounded in Tel Aviv, Israel. Shortly after, a fire broke out in a residential building, injuring several people. It is unclear whether the fire was caused by an errant Israeli missile or by Hezbollah counter-fire.
Hezbollah's Response:
Hezbollah has condemned the Israeli air strike as a "blatant violation" of the UN ceasefire agreement. The group has threatened to retaliate, saying it will not tolerate attacks on civilians.
United States Involvement:
The United States has urged both sides to exercise restraint and accept a ceasefire proposal it has put forward. The proposal calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities, the withdrawal of Hezbollah forces from the border, and the deployment of Lebanese troops to the area.
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