Key takeaways:

• Israel has conducted its first airstrikes on Beirut since the ceasefire in November, targeting a Hezbollah facility.
• The Israeli military claims the attacks are a response to rocket fire from Lebanon, which Hezbollah denies.
• The airstrikes sparked panic among residents, prompting urgent evacuation orders and heavy traffic in Beirut.
• International leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, have condemned the strikes as ceasefire violations.
• Hezbollah and Lebanese officials have called for investigations into the rocket fire while insisting on upholding the ceasefire agreement.

In a significant escalation of hostilities, Israel has launched airstrikes on the Lebanese capital, Beirut, marking the first such attacks since the October 2024 ceasefire with Hezbollah. The strikes occurred in the southern suburbs, with Israel claiming to have targeted a drone storage facility linked to the Iran-backed militant group. The attacks came after Israeli forces reported incoming rockets from Lebanon, although Hezbollah has denied any involvement in the recent projectile launches, reiterating its commitment to the ceasefire. Al Jazeera.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that the bombings led to panic among residents in the targeted neighborhoods, causing many to flee amid heavy traffic congestions. The strike led to the destruction of a residential building, reminiscent of the extensive damage seen during the previous year of conflict. TRT Global.

Following the bombings, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned Israel's actions as "unacceptable and unjustified" during a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, who also labeled the attacks as breaches of the truce. Aoun called upon the international community to intervene and prevent further escalations in violence. Latin American Post.

Hezbollah's spokesperson reiterated that the group is adhering to the ceasefire, yet warned that continuous Israeli attacks pose significant threats to regional stability. As the situation remains tense, Israel's Defense Minister signaled a willingness to strike anywhere in Lebanon perceived as a threat, leading to heightened fears of renewed large-scale conflict throughout the region. Channel News Asia.

As part of its response to the strikes, Israel has stated it will continue military operations as necessary to protect its northern borders, even as calls for restraint and peace echo from the international community, including statements from United Nations officials urging both sides to avoid further violence. BBC.