BEIRUT, Lebanon, March 5,  (V7N) – The Israeli-Lebanese conflict entered its fourth day on Thursday, as Israel continued its air strikes on Hezbollah strongholds across Lebanon. The strikes primarily targeted areas in south Beirut, including a Hezbollah stronghold, and forced thousands to flee their homes in the affected areas.

Air Strikes on South Beirut: Early Thursday, Israeli forces hit a Hezbollah position in the southern part of Beirut, with plumes of smoke rising from the target area. Residents in nearby areas were advised to evacuate ahead of further attacks.

Israeli Military on Alert: Israel’s northern regions near the Lebanese border were also on high alert, with air raid sirens sounding as Israel prepared for potential Hezbollah retaliation. No immediate casualties were reported from the alerts.

Hezbollah’s Vow to Continue Resistance: In his first public speech since the violence erupted, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem declared that the group would persist in confronting Israel, calling it an "existential defense" for Lebanon. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for at least 15 attacks on Israeli positions, including strikes targeting Tel Aviv.

Casualties and Displacement in Lebanon: Lebanese authorities confirmed at least 72 deaths, 437 injuries, and 83,000 displaced persons due to the ongoing air strikes and ground fighting. Areas around southern Lebanon’s Litani River, an area that was supposed to be a buffer zone under a 2024 truce, have been severely impacted, with Israel conducting military operations inside Lebanon.

Military Escalation: Israel’s military is operating in southern Lebanon with troops from multiple divisions, including infantry, armored units, and engineers. Video footage showed Israeli tanks in the town of Khiam, near the border, which was also the site of direct clashes between Hezbollah fighters and Israeli soldiers.

Targeting of Residential Areas: In addition to the military strikes, Israeli air raids hit several civilian areas, including a hotel in Hazmieh, near Beirut’s presidential palace and embassies. At least six people were killed in strikes on Aramoun and Saadiyat, areas outside Hezbollah’s traditional control. Some buildings in the southern suburbs were also severely damaged.

International Concerns: The ongoing violence has raised alarms across the region. The UN peacekeeping force, UNIFIL, expressed concern over Israeli military activities in Lebanon, which it described as violations of Lebanese sovereignty.

The escalation is part of a broader conflict that erupted after Hezbollah’s retaliation for the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during US-Israeli strikes over the weekend. The situation remains volatile, and efforts for de-escalation are yet to show tangible progress.

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