Daijiworld Media Network- Beirut
Beirut, Apr 28: Israeli forces on Sunday carried out a powerful airstrike on a building in the Hadath area of Beirut's southern suburbs, targeting what Israeli authorities claimed was Hezbollah’s precision missile infrastructure.
In a joint statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said the facility posed a “significant threat” to Israel’s security. "We will not allow Hezbollah to strengthen its capabilities or threaten Israel from any location in Lebanon," the statement declared, adding that the Lebanese government “bears direct responsibility” for preventing Hezbollah’s armament.
According to Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency (NNA), Israeli fighter jets launched three missiles, destroying a large hangar and causing extensive damage to nearby buildings and vehicles. However, no casualties have been reported so far.
Prior to the strike, Israeli Army Spokesperson Avichay Adraee issued an urgent evacuation warning through social media, urging residents of Beirut’s southern suburbs — particularly Hadath — to move at least 300 meters away from the targeted locations for their safety.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun strongly condemned the attack, calling on the United States and France, as guarantors of the cessation of hostilities agreement, to intervene immediately. “Israel’s continued violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty are unacceptable and threaten to destabilize the region,” he warned.
Aoun further stated that Israel’s ongoing aggression "exacerbates tensions and exposes the region to real dangers," highlighting the urgent need for international action.
Despite a ceasefire agreed upon on November 27, 2024, following 14 months of deadly cross-border hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, Israeli strikes have continued in parts of southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley.
Official figures reported by NNA reveal that Israeli bombings and shootings have claimed 149 lives in Lebanon since the ceasefire, while a United Nations report issued on April 15 confirmed that 71 of the victims were civilians.