Israel Strikes Beirut Breaking April Ceasefire
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered strikes on southern Beirut. Defense Minister Israel Katz also gave the order.
The area is controlled by Hezbollah. Netanyahu said the strikes were a response to attacks on Israeli civilians.
These are the most serious strikes since a ceasefire on 17 April. Thousands of people left their homes after the Israeli military warned of strikes.
Beirut had largely been safe from Israeli strikes since April. The strikes have made peace efforts harder.
Sources say the strikes are also seen as pressure linked to US-Iran nuclear talks. A deal being discussed includes an end to fighting in Lebanon.
A senior Lebanese official said neither Hezbollah nor Israel appear to want a ceasefire. The official also said the US has not acted firmly to stop the escalation.
Key Terms 4
- Hezbollah Armed group based in Lebanon that has fought against Israel
- ceasefire An agreement to stop fighting for a period of time
- nuclear talks Ongoing negotiations about Iran's nuclear program between the US and Iran
- escalation When a conflict becomes more serious or intense