Lebanon's Tyre Under Intense Israeli Airstrikes
Despite the seeming pause in the conflict between Israel and Iran, the situation in Lebanon continues to escalate. The southern Lebanese coastal city of Tyre has been subjected to heavy Israeli airstrikes and bombardment, resulting in a massive cloud of smoke covering the city. The city has been under attack for nearly a week, and the latest Monday airstrikes have reportedly killed at least seven people.
Lebanese State Media Confirms Aerial Attacks
The significant aerial attacks on Tyre have been confirmed by Lebanese state media, following an evacuation warning issued by Israel's military for large parts of the ancient city, which is also a UNESCO world heritage site. The Lebanese National News Agency reported that Israeli enemy aircraft launched their first strike after the warning, targeting a residential apartment. The agency also confirmed a series of strikes on the city, which houses over 135,000 people.
Heavy Bombardment Continues
An Al Jazeera correspondent described the ongoing attacks, stating that Israeli warplanes continue to bombard the city with missiles, aiming at the heart of the Old City with the intention of reducing the historic city to ruins. The correspondent reported a series of five to six airstrikes on the city's residential areas and its marine front, which resulted in significant destruction and casualties.
Pressure on Lebanese Government
Tyre, predominantly a Shia Muslim city with a significant Christian minority, is not known as a major Hezbollah stronghold. The escalated strikes are widely seen as a military strategy to pressure the Lebanese government to exert influence on Hezbollah.
Targeting the Amal Movement
According to Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jabbari, reporting from Beirut, Tyre is being targeted because analysts believe the city is a stronghold of the Amal movement, led by parliament speaker Nabih Berri. Jabbari stated that the Israeli attack is seen as a message to the Amal movement and its leadership, who have said they are negotiating on behalf of Hezbollah. The Israeli attack is also seen as an attempt to put more pressure on the negotiating parties.
Call for Immediate Ceasefire
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell is among Western voices calling for an "immediate ceasefire" in Lebanon. He has criticized the IDF's "unacceptable attacks" on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon's south, near the border. Borrell stated that the EU is calling for an immediate ceasefire across the blue lines. However, Hezbollah continues to launch rocket barrages into northern Israel, including the Haifa area, showing no inclination to negotiate.
Israel's Stated Purpose
The Israeli army reported on Monday that in the latest salvos, some 30 rockets have targeted the Western and Upper Galilee areas. The IDF says at least 115 projectiles have been sent into northern Israel on Monday. Israel's stated purpose in Lebanon is to push back Hezbollah and eliminate its forces to allow the return of tens of thousands of Israeli residents to their homes in the north. However, the conflict appears to be far from over.
Bottom Line
The situation in Lebanon continues to escalate, with the ancient city of Tyre bearing the brunt of heavy Israeli airstrikes. The strikes, which have resulted in significant destruction and casualties, are seen as a strategy to pressure the Lebanese government and the Amal movement. Despite calls for an immediate ceasefire, both sides seem far from ready to negotiate. What are your thoughts on this situation? Share this article with your friends and let us know your views. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, delivered every day at 6pm.
