Israeli Air Strike / Beirut Hospital Attack / Hezbollah Retaliation / Gaza Conflict / Antony Blinken Visit / Ceasefire Efforts / News Watch / Beirut / Lebanon / J. Mansour / Morning News / Israeli air strikes in Beirut, targeting Hezbollah, destroying Lebanon’s largest Buildings near public hospitals, killing at least 13 people and injuring dozens more. The attack came hours before U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Israel, which remains committed to ceasefire efforts. Hezbollah retaliated by firing rockets into central Israel, escalating the conflict further as tensions continued to rise.
Journalists visit the Sahel General Hospital in Dahiyeh, Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, March 22, 2024. A day earlier, the Israeli army said Hezbollah had stored hundreds of millions of dollars in cash and gold beneath the hospital. (Photo by Associated Press/Hassan Ammar)
Israeli airstrike on Beirut hospital kills dozens: A brief review
- Israeli airstrikes targeted buildings near Rafik Hariri University Hospital in Beirut, killing at least 13 people and injuring dozens more.
- The attack, which targeted Hezbollah targets, caused severe damage to the hospital and nearby areas, amid growing concerns that Israel will target medical facilities.
- Hours later, Hezbollah fired rockets into central Israel, escalating the conflict ahead of the arrival of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
- Human rights groups such as Amnesty International have criticized Israel for attacking financial institutions linked to Hezbollah and urged an investigation into possible violations of international law.
Conflict escalates, Israeli air strikes near Beirut hospital kill more than ten people
A closer look:
Israeli airstrikes targeted Hezbollah strongholds in southern Beirut Monday’s attack killed more than a dozen people and severely damaged the vicinity of Lebanon’s largest public hospital, Rafik Hariri University Hospital. The attack flattened many buildings, killing 13 people and injuring 57. According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, seven of the injured were in critical condition.
Although the Israeli military said the attack targeted Hezbollah facilities, the attack took place close to a major hospital, raising concerns about possible violations of international law. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as hospital staff struggled to care for injured civilians and existing patients while dealing with damage to the hospital itself, including smashed windows and destroyed solar panels.
The incident is part of a wider conflict between Israel and Hezbollah that has escalated dramatically since Israel started war with Hamas in September 2023. In support of Hamas, Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel, triggering Israeli air strikes on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon.
Humanitarian concerns and growing international criticism
Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have expressed concern about continued Israeli airstrikes against Hezbollah-linked targets in Lebanon, particularly in civilian areas. Amnesty International condemned recent Israeli attacks on al-Qard al-Hassan, a Hezbollah-linked financial institution with branches across Lebanon, and called for an investigation into whether the attacks violated international humanitarian law.
According to Amnesty International, financial institutions like Qard al-Hassan, even those with links to militant groups, are classified as civilian infrastructure unless used directly for military purposes. The Israeli military issued warnings before attacking the Qal Hassan base, but the extent of the attack raised questions about its legality and proportionality.
Hezbollah fires rockets in retaliation
In response to Israeli airstrikes, Hezbollah fired multiple rockets into central Israel on Tuesday. Israeli authorities reported that most of the rockets were intercepted, but one landed in an open area and caused no casualties or property damage. The escalation further intensified efforts to de-escalate the situation as Israeli forces continued their ground incursion into southern Lebanon and continued air strikes on Hezbollah positions.
Hezbollah also claimed responsibility for drone attacks over the weekend Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s official residence in CaesareaAlthough Netanyahu and his wife were not at home at the time, Hezbollah warned that there could be more such attacks in the future.
U.S. efforts to restart ceasefire talks
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrives in Israel on Tuesday with a view to restarting ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas. The United States is also working to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where Israeli airstrikes have displaced thousands of civilians and damaged infrastructure. Blinken’s visit is part of a broader diplomatic effort to Meetings are planned in several Arab countries, including Jordan, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
U.S. officials have stressed the importance of increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza while also seeking to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. Ceasefire talks stalled earlier this year But Blinken hopes renewed dialogue will deescalate violence and alleviate the suffering of civilians in the area.
Iran and regional tensions
Meanwhile, Iran has been stepping up diplomatic engagement to prepare for possible retaliatory strikes by Israel. Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, have been meeting with Israeli leaders. Gulf leaders ensure that their territories are not used for Israeli military operations. While Gulf states such as Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have yet to publicly confirm such commitments, Iran is positioning itself as a regional power capable of resisting Israeli aggression.
The situation remains volatile; As Israel continues its military campaign, fears are growing of a wider regional conflict There have been clashes in both Gaza and Lebanon. Continued rocket attacks by Hezbollah, coupled with Israeli airstrikes, have deepened concerns about civilian casualties and the long-term impact of the conflict.
