In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing conflict, Lebanon’s Hezbollah unleashed a relentless barrage of rockets on Tel Aviv on Sunday, leaving parts of the Israeli city in ruins and residents scrambling for safety. The assault followed one of Israel’s deadliest airstrikes on Beirut in recent memory, which claimed the lives of at least 29 people and sent shockwaves through the region.
Hezbollah Strikes Back with Precision Missiles
Hezbollah, honoring its vow to retaliate against Israeli strikes on Beirut, launched a wave of precision missiles targeting two military sites near Tel Aviv. Multiple impact points were reported in the Petah Tikvah area, east of Tel Aviv, with several injuries and widespread structural damage. Israeli police confirmed that homes were destroyed and set ablaze, while footage revealed the harrowing aftermath of the rocket fire.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that Hezbollah had fired a staggering 250 rockets, many of which were intercepted. However, at least four civilians were injured by shrapnel, underscoring the intensity of the attack. Sirens blared across much of Israel, plunging millions into fear and chaos.
Israel’s Ruthless Response Targets Beirut Strongholds
Before Hezbollah’s assault, the IDF warned of imminent strikes on Hezbollah facilities in southern Beirut. True to its word, Israeli jets unleashed devastating firepower on 12 command centers in Beirut’s Dahiyeh suburbs, obliterating two apartment blocks. The strikes, described by Lebanese officials as among the deadliest yet, raised the death toll to 84 for Saturday alone, with Lebanon’s overall casualties exceeding 3,700 since October 2023.
Ceasefire Talks Amid Devastation
Despite the escalating violence, diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire continue. U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein recently shuttled between Beirut, Jerusalem, and Washington, citing progress in talks. However, the proposed truce, modeled on the United Nations Security Council’s 2006 Resolution 1701, faces significant hurdles. This resolution mandates Hezbollah’s withdrawal from areas near Israel’s border and a reinforced Lebanese Army presence.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell expressed optimism but stressed urgency. “We must pressure both the Israeli government and Hezbollah to accept the U.S. proposal for a ceasefire,” he urged during a meeting in Beirut. The EU has pledged €200 million to bolster the Lebanese Army’s capacity, signaling its commitment to stabilizing the region.
Lebanon’s Army and Civilian Toll
Caught in the crossfire, Lebanon’s military suffered a devastating blow when an Israeli strike on Al-Amiriya near Tyre killed one soldier and injured 18 others. The Lebanese Army condemned the attack, while caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati decried it as “a direct, bloody message” undermining peace efforts.
A Region on the Brink
As Israel grapples with Hezbollah’s unyielding rocket fire, its military has vowed to secure the safety of northern citizens evacuated during the conflict’s early stages. Meanwhile, Lebanon faces an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, with over a million displaced and critical infrastructure in tatters.
What Lies Ahead?
With both sides locked in a spiral of vengeance, the prospect of a ceasefire remains tenuous. Diplomatic breakthroughs could hinge on Israel’s next moves, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convenes his security cabinet to deliberate the U.S.-backed proposal. But for now, the flames of conflict rage on, leaving Tel Aviv, Beirut, and countless lives caught in the inferno of war.
