BEIRUT. Israeli airstrikes targeted multiple locations across Lebanon on Monday, leaving at least 31 people dead as diplomatic efforts toward a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah gained momentum. The strikes hit residential and commercial areas, intensifying the toll of a conflict that has spanned over a year.
Israeli airstrikes hit Hezbollah strongholds in Beirut’s southern suburbs, the port city of Tyre, and Baalbek-Hermel in the northeast, causing massive destruction. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported casualties, with 26 killed in southern Lebanon, four in Baalbek-Hermel, and one in Choueifat, a neighborhood that had not received prior evacuation warnings.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of devastation, with explosions lighting up the night sky and debris strewn across streets. Some strikes landed near Christian neighborhoods and areas adjacent to evacuation zones.
The conflict has displaced over 1.2 million people in Lebanon, according to the Health Ministry, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. DNA testing may be required to identify some of the victims due to the severity of their injuries.
Progress in Ceasefire Negotiations
Despite the escalated violence, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Security Cabinet is set to discuss a proposed ceasefire on Tuesday. Israeli Ambassador to the U.N. Danny Danon stated that any agreement would likely involve multiple stages. “It’s not going to happen overnight,” Danon cautioned, adding, “We expect discussions to continue into next week.”
The ceasefire plan under consideration includes a withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and a corresponding retreat of Hezbollah fighters from areas south of the Litani River. Thousands of Lebanese army troops, alongside U.N. peacekeeping forces, would patrol the border region under the proposed deal.
However, Israel has insisted on retaining the right to strike in Lebanon if Hezbollah violates the agreement. Lebanon’s government has rejected this condition, citing concerns about sovereignty.
The ceasefire, if finalized, could ease regional tensions that have raised fears of a broader conflict involving Iran. A senior U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, emphasized the delicate nature of the negotiations, saying, “Nothing is done until everything is done.”
Meanwhile, Hezbollah has dropped its earlier demand that a ceasefire be contingent on ending the war in Gaza. Hamas, Hezbollah’s ally, voiced support for the proposed ceasefire. “Any announcement of a ceasefire is welcome,” said Hamas official Osama Hamdan during an interview with Lebanon’s Al-Mayadeen broadcaster.
Within Israel, hardliner opposition to the ceasefire remains strong. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir criticized the deal, calling it a “missed historic opportunity to eradicate Hezbollah.”
In the broader international arena, concerns persist about the consequences of failed negotiations. Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi warned, “Failure to reach a ceasefire will doom the region to more killing, hatred, and destruction.”
As the region holds its breath, the proposed ceasefire represents a glimmer of hope amidst relentless violence and mounting casualties. Whether this fragile peace can hold remains uncertain, but for the millions affected by the conflict, the stakes could not be higher.
