Israeli Airstrike on Beirut’s Southern Suburbs Escalates Tensions with Hezbollah Amid Ceasefire Violations

On April 27, 2025, Israeli fighter jets conducted an airstrike in the Dahiyeh district of southern Beirut, targeting a Hezbollah missile storage facility. This marks the third such strike since the U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect in November 2024. The Israeli military claimed the facility housed precision-guided missiles, which it asserts violate the terms of the ceasefire agreement.​

Prior to the strike, the Israeli military issued evacuation warnings to residents of the Hadath neighborhood, and warning shots were reportedly fired. The attack resulted in significant fires and large plumes of smoke, though no casualties were immediately reported. Lebanese emergency teams cordoned off the perimeter of the fire site following the strike.​

In response, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the Israeli action, calling on the U.S. and France to uphold their roles in enforcing the ceasefire. U.N. Special Coordinator Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert also expressed concern over the escalating tensions and urged all parties to respect the cessation of hostilities stipulated in U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701.​

Hezbollah's deputy leader, Sheikh Naim Kassem, warned of potential retaliation if Israeli attacks continue and if Lebanon’s government fails to respond . This strike comes amid broader regional unrest, with renewed Israeli strikes in Gaza and U.S. actions against the Houthis in Yemen.​

The resurgence of violence highlights the fragility of the ceasefire, which was meant to end over a year of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Despite its losses in previous conflicts, including the death of leader Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah has denied involvement in recent rocket attacks on Israel .​

Author: Global Ripple

Posted on: April 27, 2025