Israel pounds Hezbollah near Beirut airport as protests sweep major cities
Make us a preferred source
Make us a preferred source on Google
The news: Israeli airstrikes on Sunday pounded Hezbollah targets in southern Beirut including hits near Lebanon’s only international airport, in the fiercest bombardment since last month’s escalation against the Iranian-backed militant group, Reuters reported citing witnesses.
A separate strike in Gaza killed at least 26 people and injured 93, as Israeli airstrikes hit a mosque and a school housing displaced people early on Sunday, the news agency said citing the Hamas-controlled Gaza government. The Israeli military said the strikes targeted Hamas terrorists.
Iran halted some flights overnight from airports in its western and southern regions due to "operational restrictions," amid heightened tensions following Israel’s threats of retaliation for recent missile attacks.
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron called for a “halt to arms exports for use in Gaza” to avoid escalating tensions in the region, in a radio interview recorded this week and aired on Saturday (Sunday AEST).
Calling for a ceasefire, Macron said Lebanon must not "turn into another Gaza," referring to Israel's military operations there, stressing that "the Lebanese people should not be sacrificed."
The comments drew immediate criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Both leaders held a “frank” discussion in a call on Sunday where they accepted their divergent views, the Associated Press reported citing Macron’s office. “France’s commitment to Israel’s security is unwavering,” Macron was quoted as saying during the call.
The numbers: Exactly one year after Hamas attacked Israel on 7 October 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking 250 hostage, the death toll in Gaza from Israel’s military response to target Hamas has risen to roughly 42,000 people, with widespread destruction across the territory.
In Lebanon, officials estimate about 1.2 million have been displaced, with over 2,000 dead.
The context: Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered in major cities worldwide over the weekend, calling for a ceasefire ahead of the first anniversary of Hamas' 7 October attack on Israel.
In Rome, peaceful protests turned violent when some protesters clashed with police, leading to injuries. London saw thousands march amid heightened police presence, with 17 arrests reported. In Hamburg and Paris, demonstrations were largely peaceful, while rallies also took place in Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, New York and Washington DC, where a man set himself on fire.
Smaller pro-Israeli counterdemonstrations also took place, while the Jewish community gathered at several worldwide events to commemorate the 7 October attack.
The sources: Reuters, Associated Press , The New York Times , The Washington Post
