The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) reports that three of its leaders have been killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut's Kola district.
This marked the first attack within the city's limits as Israel escalated its military actions against Iran-aligned groups across the Middle East. Reuters confirmed that the strike targeted the upper floor of an apartment building in the Lebanese capital, though Israel’s military has yet to issue an official statement.
Israel’s recent actions have heightened fears that the conflict could spread further, involving regional powers like Iran and global stakeholders such as the United States, Israel’s key ally.
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The Israeli military has increased airstrikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthi militia in Yemen.
On Sunday, airstrikes on Yemen’s port city of Hodeidah killed at least four people, while strikes in Lebanon resulted in 105 fatalities. This escalation follows the killing of Hezbollah’s leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, by Israeli forces.
The Lebanese Health Ministry reported that more than 1,000 people have been killed and 6,000 injured in Lebanon over the past two weeks. However, it did not specify the number of civilian casualties. Additionally, one million people, roughly 20% of the population, have been displaced.
Israeli officials have pledged to continue their campaign against Hezbollah, aiming to secure its northern regions from the militia's rocket attacks. Over the weekend, Israeli drones hovered over Beirut while displaced residents sought refuge at Zaitunay Bay, a popular waterfront location.
The U.S. has called for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict while reinforcing its military presence in the region.
When asked about the potential for an all-out Middle East war, President Joe Biden expressed optimism, stating, “It has to be avoided,” and confirmed plans to speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
