The brief pause in airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, prompted by the presence of US envoy Amos Hochstein in Lebanon, was short-lived.
The Israeli army spokesperson issued evacuation warnings on Thursday morning to the Haret Hreik and Al-Hadath residents, announcing they will be targeting Hezbollah strongholds there. An hour later, strikes were ongoing in Haret Hreik.
Ongoing Israeli strikes on Beirut's southern suburb following evacuation warning pic.twitter.com/DPEs84mrqR
— This is Beirut (@ThisIsBeirut_) November 21, 2024
Earlier, three Israeli airstrikes targeted Haret Hreik overnight Wednesday to Thursday. The Israeli army's Arabic spokesperson issued warnings to Haret Hreik residents, urging them to evacuate. Warning shots were fired into the air to expedite the evacuation.
Israeli reconnaissance planes flew at low altitude over southern Beirut, Chouf, and Saida.
Earlier on Wednesday, Israeli newspaper Ma’ariv reported that Israel had temporarily halted strikes on the suburbs to maximize chances for Hochstein’s negotiations.
On Thursday morning, the Israeli army bombarded Adloun and Ansarieh resulting in one killed. Chaayatyeh and Ramadyeh in Tyre were also targeted by the Israeli army.
Earlier, the Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee issued a warning to residents of Bourj al-Chamali, Maachouk, and Al-Hauch near Tyre, urging them to move north of the Al-Awali River due to imminent strikes targeting Hezbollah infrastructure. A second warning was later issued for a specific building in Tyre. Raids started shortly after.
False Evacuation Alerts
Residents of areas deemed “safe,” including Mazraat Yachouh in Metn, Tarik Jdideh in Beirut, Tyre, and Maghdoucheh, were also urged to evacuate through false phone warnings. Security sources confirmed Thursday morning that these evacuation threats were unfounded.
Israeli Airstrikes
On Wednesday night, Israeli forces struck the Palestinian camp of El-Buss in Tyre, killing Omran Hamed. Preliminary reports suggested Hamas leader Jihad Taha was the target.
In Khiam, Israeli forces reportedly gained control of a strategic route connecting southern Lebanon to the West Bekaa.
Hezbollah Response
Hezbollah targeted Israeli troops in Khiam and the settlements of Kfaryadin and Yeftah, claiming to have destroyed a Merkava tank. Strikes throughout the night hit Mayfadoun, Jezzine, Srifa, Jebchit, and Abbassiyé.
Israeli Casualties
The Israeli army announced Thursday morning that a Golani Brigade soldier had been killed in southern Lebanon, in the same incident that claimed the life of historian Ze'ev Erlich. Additionally, three Israeli soldiers were reported dead in southern Lebanon on Wednesday.
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