Israeli warplanes launched raids with guided missiles on residential buildings in the Basta al-Fawqa area in the center of the capital, Beirut.، Israeli aircraft also launched raids targeting the southern suburb of Haret Hreik, Bir al-Abd, Al-Shiyah, Al-Ghobeiry, Al-Masbagha Street, and Shatila Roundabout.
Local media announced today, Saturday, “in a preliminary toll, 9 people were killed and 23 were injured in the Israeli raid on the Basta al-Fawqa area in Beirut.”
Information reported that “the nature of the bombing, its size, and its occurrence without warning indicate that it was an assassination, as the raids targeted crowded residential areas on Fathallah Street and caused very large destruction, and led to the complete collapse of 5 residential buildings.”
For his part, a military source revealed to RIA Novosti that “the missiles that were used in the raids on Beirut are fortification-piercing (concussion) missiles, and they produced a loud sound that was heard echoing in the city of Sidon and the Mountain.”
The Lebanese Government Emergency Committee issued a statement saying: “59 martyrs and 112 wounded during the past 24 hours, which raises the total number since the beginning of the Israeli aggression to 3,642 martyrs and 15,356 wounded,” “134 air strikes on Lebanon during the past 24 hours, which raises the total number since The beginning of the Israeli aggression reached 13,976 attacks,” “The total number of displaced persons reached 1,237,892 displaced persons, including 190,102 in shelters, the total number of which reached 1,177 centres.” The Lebanese Ministry of Health later said: “3,645 martyrs and 15,355 wounded since the start of the Israeli aggression, and yesterday’s toll was 62 martyrs and 111 wounded.”
The New York Times reported, citing regional and American officials, “that the conditions for the proposed ceasefire between Hezbollah in Lebanon and Israel have begun to take shape.”
The newspaper said: “After weeks of deadly Israeli air strikes in Lebanon and fierce fighting between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, it appears that the features of a potential ceasefire agreement are beginning to take shape.”
Some officials said, “The proposed agreement calls for a 60-day truce, during which Israeli forces withdraw from southern Lebanon and Hezbollah fighters withdraw to the north of the Litani River, which runs almost parallel to the Lebanese-Israeli border.”
She added: “During that time, the Lebanese Army and the United Nations peacekeeping force will work to intensify their deployment in the border region, and a new enforcement mechanism headed by the United States will ensure that Hezbollah and Israel remain outside the region.”
The officials stated, “The proposed solution is a new US-led oversight committee to monitor violations of the armistice, and it is still unclear which other countries may participate in this mechanism and how it will work, although there appears to have been no discussion about a direct US military role.” .
Last updated: November 23, 2024 - 10:31
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How can the international community effectively respond to humanitarian crises resulting from military conflicts?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Military Analyst Dr. Sarah Khalil
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Khalil. Thank you for joining us today. The recent Israeli airstrikes in Beirut have raised significant concerns about civilian safety and regional stability. What can you tell us about the implications of these attacks?
Dr. Sarah Khalil: Thank you for having me. The situation is indeed troubling. The airstrikes, particularly in densely populated areas like Basta al-Fawqa, are highly concerning not only because of the immediate loss of life but also due to the potential for escalating violence. The reported death toll of 9 killed and 23 injured from this latest raid is just one piece in a larger and tragic puzzle.
Editor: Local media described these attacks as potentially targeted assassinations due to the nature and size of the bombing. Do you agree with this characterization?
Dr. Khalil: Yes, the characteristics of the bombing—particularly the use of fortification-piercing missiles—suggest a targeted strategy. The fact that the strikes occurred without prior warning and caused severe destruction indicates that these missiles were intended to achieve a specific military objective, potentially related to high-value targets. This method poses severe risks to civilians, amplifying humanitarian crises.
Editor: Speaking of humanitarian crises, the Lebanese Government Emergency Committee reported staggering numbers—over 3,600 martyrs and more than 15,000 injured since the beginning of hostilities. How does the international community typically respond to such significant casualties?
Dr. Khalil: Typically, the international community expresses concern and calls for restraint. However, concrete actions often lag behind words. Humanitarian relief efforts may be activated, but the scale of this crisis can strain resources and complicate logistics, especially in an area with ongoing conflict and shifts in control. With over 1.2 million displaced persons, the situation on the ground is dire.
Editor: The New York Times mentioned that conditions for a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel may be beginning to take shape. What are your thoughts on this development?
Dr. Khalil: The prospect of a ceasefire is always welcome, especially when civilian lives are at stake. However, achieving a sustainable peace requires addressing the underlying issues driving the conflict. Both Hezbollah and Israel will need to find common ground, and external actors—perhaps including the US—might play a role in facilitating talks. That said, ceasefires can be fragile, especially in such a volatile environment.
Editor: How do you assess the likelihood of long-term peace following this recent surge in violence?
Dr. Khalil: The likelihood of lasting peace is challenging to predict. The current cycle of violence demonstrates that tensions remain high, and both sides may be reluctant to de-escalate without significant incentives. Building a foundation for long-term stability will require addressing not just military concerns but also socioeconomic conditions and longstanding grievances among the people living in these conflict zones.
Editor: Dr. Khalil, thank you for these insights. The situation is complex, and the implications are vast. We appreciate your expert perspective as we continue to follow these developments closely.
Dr. Khalil: Thank you for having me. It’s essential to keep discussing these events to raise awareness of their significance both locally and globally.