Lebanese state media reported late Sunday that Israeli forces carried out 11 airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, with further attacks in the Bekaa Valley and southern Lebanon.

The strikes are not only an attack on Lebanon’s sovereignty but also a dangerous escalation in the nearly month-long conflict. In a reckless move, Israeli forces bombed areas near Beirut's main airport, a key lifeline for humanitarian aid and evacuations, endangering civilians and relief efforts. Videos showed massive plumes of smoke rising over the capital as a result of these aggressive air raids.

In response, Hezbollah fighters downed an Israeli Hermes 450 drone and launched several rocket salvos against Israeli troops stationed near the border. The Resistance movement vowed to defend Lebanon against further Israeli provocations.

Despite Israeli claims that its strikes aim to prevent Hezbollah’s military actions, Lebanon sees this as an outright violation of its airspace and an attack on its infrastructure. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant brazenly stated that Israel was intensifying its strikes to dismantle sites Hezbollah “planned to use,” without regard for the impact on Lebanese civilians.

Adding to the chaos, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported that an Israeli bulldozer "deliberately" demolished one of its observation posts in southern Lebanon, a blatant violation of international law. Despite calls from the European Union to respect the peacekeepers, Israel continues its reckless aggression, endangering both civilians and international forces.

The once-busy streets of southern Beirut have emptied as families flee the violence, their homes and businesses left vulnerable to Israeli bombs.

In an alarming development, the Lebanese army, which has not engaged in the conflict, lost three soldiers after an Israeli strike targeted their vehicle in southern Lebanon, further highlighting the indiscriminate nature of Israel's aggression.

Lebanon continues to show defiance and resilience in the face of escalating Israeli attacks, as Hezbollah and the Lebanese people stand firm in defending their land and sovereignty. The international community must act to hold Israel accountable for its violations of international law and its ongoing assault on Lebanon’s territory. (ILKHA)