Israel dismisses Lebanon ceasefire talks; escalates attacks on Beirut

Mass airstrikes hit the south of Beirut today as the Israeli defence minister ruled out a ceasefire in Lebanon, vowing to continue attacking Hezbollah with full force.

The Israeli strikes came less than an hour after evacuation orders were issued for Haret Hreik, Ghobeiry and Laylaki, all municipalities in Beirut’s southern suburbs, known as Dahiyeh.

Plumes of smoke rose above the southern neighborhoods, and videos showed large-scale destruction following 13 strikes within hours. People rushed to evacuate following the warnings by the Israeli military that 11 buildings would be targeted.

While most residents of the densely populated area have already left their homes, many have stayed put. Dahiyeh has witnessed near-nightly airstrikes when Israel intensified its offensive in Lebanon in September but for the past few weeks attacks on the suburbs have become less frequent.

While Israeli air strikes have been focused on Beirut’s southern suburbs, southern Lebanon, and the eastern Beqaa region – Hezbollah’s main support base – some attacks have happened outside these regions.