A shocking video, captured by Associated Press photographer Bilal Hussein, shows the moment an Israeli missile strike destroyed a residential building in Beirut, Lebanon. The incident, which followed an Israeli warning, has sparked international outrage and underscores the escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for an end to the conflict in Gaza during his visit to the region, urging Israel to avoid further escalation with Iran. He also pressed for increased aid to besieged Gaza and highlighted the ‘incredible opportunity’ for a normalization deal with Saudi Arabia. Blinken’s visit comes as Israel continues its offensive in Gaza and Lebanon, facing mounting casualties and concerns about the humanitarian situation.
Israel has confirmed the killing of Hashem Safieddine, Hezbollah’s apparent successor to Hassan Nasrallah, in a strike three weeks ago. The Israeli military claims to have targeted Hezbollah’s leadership and infrastructure, leading to a surge in tensions and violence along the Lebanon-Israel border.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Israel on October 22, urging the nation to work towards a ceasefire in Gaza. His visit comes amidst heightened tensions in the region, with Israel continuing its offensive in Gaza and facing retaliatory strikes from Iran. The conflict has also spilled over into Lebanon, where Israel’s strikes have resulted in numerous civilian casualties.
As the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah intensifies, British Airways has suspended all flights to and from Tel Aviv until March 2025, joining a growing number of airlines pulling back operations due to security concerns. The decision highlights the impact of the conflict on regional airspace and the travel industry.
Israeli airstrikes in Beirut caused significant damage to the country’s largest public hospital and killed over a dozen people, according to Lebanese health officials. The strikes occurred hours before US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in the region to try and broker a ceasefire. Hezbollah responded with rocket fire into central Israel, escalating the conflict further.
Israel has revealed intelligence claiming Hezbollah has a secret financial hub under a Beirut hospital, containing hundreds of millions in cash and gold. This revelation came after Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah-linked locations, including sites run by Al-Qard Al-Hassan, accused of being Hezbollah’s financial arm. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claims the money is used to fund Hezbollah’s operations, including attacks on Israel, and could be used for Lebanon’s reconstruction.
Israel has escalated its campaign against Hezbollah, eliminating a key commander in Syria and striking at the group’s financial infrastructure in Lebanon. The Israeli military targeted a Hezbollah commander responsible for funding the group through Iran’s oil sales, while also hitting branches of Al-Qard al-Hasan, a financial institution accused of funding Hezbollah activities in Lebanon.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken embarks on a crucial mission to the Middle East as the Israel-Gaza conflict intensifies, with concerns over spillover into Lebanon. Blinken aims to secure a ceasefire, defuse tensions with Hezbollah, and lay out a post-conflict plan for Gaza. Meanwhile, Israel exposes an Iranian spy ring and targets Hezbollah financial institutions, impacting global markets.
British Airways has become the latest airline to suspend flights to Tel Aviv, citing heightened tensions in the Middle East and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The suspension will last until the end of March 2024, joining other airlines like easyJet, Wizz Air, Virgin Atlantic, and Delta Air Lines in ceasing operations to Israel. The move follows a recent escalation of hostilities, including Hezbollah’s near-daily rocket and drone strikes and Iran’s missile attacks.
