Israeli strike on Beirut kills 3, injures 7 in breach of fragile cease-fire

An Israeli airstrike on southern Beirut killed at least three people and injured seven others early Tuesday, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry.

The attack occurred without warning around 3:30 a.m. local time during the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr.

It marked the second Israeli strike on the Lebanese capital since a four-month ceasefire agreement came into effect on Nov. 27, 2024.

Israeli military authorities, in a joint statement with domestic security agency Shin Bet, said the strike targeted a Hezbollah operative allegedly involved in coordinating with Hamas to plan an imminent attack on Israeli civilians.

Airstrike targets residential building during Eid

The Lebanese National News Agency (NNA) reported that the Israeli military launched two rockets at a building in a densely populated area of south Beirut at around 3:30 a.m. local time. The attack occurred during the Eid al-Fitr holiday, catching residents off guard.

An Agence France-Presse (AFP) photographer on the scene described the upper floors of a multi-story building as completely destroyed, with debris covering the streets and emergency crews aiding the injured.

Israel cites ‘imminent threat’ from Hezbollah official

In a joint statement, the Israeli military and Shin Bet security agency claimed responsibility for the strike, stating it targeted a Hezbollah operative allegedly involved in planning attacks against Israeli civilians.

A source close to Hezbollah confirmed the strike targeted Hassan Bdair, the group’s deputy head for Palestinian affairs, who was reportedly at home with his family at the time.

Lebanese officials condemn violation of cease-fire

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the airstrike, calling it a “clear breach” of the cease-fire agreement established on Nov. 27, 2024. He also said the attack violated United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for respect of Lebanon’s sovereignty and cessation of hostilities.

President Joseph Aoun called on international allies to support Lebanon’s right to full sovereignty.

Growing tensions amid repeated violations

• The Tuesday airstrike marks the second Israeli strike on Beirut since the ceasefire.
• On March 28, Israel bombed a building in Hadath, also in southern Beirut.
• Lebanese authorities report over 1,250 ceasefire violations since November, including at least 100 fatalities and more than 330 injuries.

Under the cease-fire terms, Israel was supposed to withdraw fully from southern Lebanon by Jan. 26. The deadline was extended to Feb. 18 because of Israeli non-compliance.

As of now, Israeli forces remain stationed at five strategic border outposts.