The United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis, expressed concern over the widespread panic in Lebanon following evacuation orders before intense blasts hit the country. Beirut residents described chaotic scenes with everyone on the streets trying to escape the danger. While some areas were on high alert and people fled, there were no attacks in some places, causing confusion and fear among the population.
The recent Israeli airstrikes targeted the Al-Qard Al-Hassan bank, which has been under U.S. sanctions for allegedly being used by Hezbollah for financial activities. The strikes also marked an expansion of Israel’s conflict with Hezbollah, with additional ground raids and dismantling of weapons taking place in southern Lebanon. The ongoing violence has led to thousands of casualties in Lebanon and displaced many from their homes.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati emphasized the need for a diplomatic solution to end the fighting, highlighting his lack of direct contact with Hezbollah in recent weeks. Meanwhile, in northern Gaza, Israeli forces continued their offensive, resulting in dozens of casualties in airstrikes. The IDF reported killing militants and dismantling infrastructure and tunnels in the area, with operations ongoing across southern and central Gaza. The UN has condemned Israel for making life “impossible” for residents in northern Gaza.
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