Three Palestinian Leaders Killed in Israeli Strike in Beirut
On Monday, a Palestinian militant group reported that three of its senior leaders were killed in an Israeli airstrike targeting Beirut, marking the first attack within the city limits amid escalating tensions in the region. The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) confirmed that the strike occurred in the Kola district of Lebanon’s capital, hitting the upper floor of an apartment building. While Israel’s military did not immediately comment, witnesses described the destruction.
The incident is part of a wider escalation, with Israel launching a series of airstrikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthi militia in Yemen. Israel’s actions have sparked fears of a broader regional conflict involving Iran and the United States, Israel’s main ally. Sunday saw intense airstrikes across Lebanon, with authorities reporting over 100 casualties from the strikes.
The conflict has already led to widespread displacement, with Lebanon’s Health Ministry reporting more than 1,000 deaths and 6,000 injuries in recent weeks. Displaced families are seeking refuge in various parts of Beirut, including its waterfront. The situation has drawn international concern, with U.S. President Joe Biden urging for diplomacy to avoid an all-out war in the Middle East, while reaffirming U.S. military presence in the region.