Israel-Hezbollah war news live updates: In the past 24 hours, Israeli airstrikes have killed 37 people and injured 151, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. The strikes, which began early Friday, targeted Beirut’s southern suburbs and the city’s airport, sources told Reuters. On Thursday, Israel’s military claimed to have struck Hezbollah’s intelligence headquarters in Beirut, part of intensified clashes near the Lebanon-Israel border. The attack allegedly targeted senior Hezbollah official Hashem Safieddine, considered a likely successor to former leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed earlier this week.
Late Thursday, ten consecutive airstrikes hit central Beirut, killing nine people. This marked the second airstrike on the city centre since 2006. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have issued evacuation warnings for Beirut and southern Lebanon, signalling an escalation in the conflict. Ground incursions have also begun, resulting in cross-border fighting with Hezbollah that left nine Israeli soldiers dead.
Despite growing international calls for a ceasefire, Israel has intensified efforts to neutralise Hezbollah strongholds. An Israeli military official indicated plans to deploy white phosphorus shells in upcoming strikes.
Israel launched airstrikes on central Beirut in the early hours of Thursday, October 3, 2024, resulting in at least six fatalities. This action followed Israel’s deadliest day on the Lebanese front in a year of ongoing clashes with the Iran-backed group Hezbollah.
On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, Israel intensified its military operations on two fronts: conducting a ground incursion into Lebanon against Hezbollah, which resulted in the deaths of eight Israeli soldiers, and carrying out strikes in Gaza that claimed the lives of dozens, including children. Amid these developments, Israel vowed to respond to Iran’s ballistic missile attack from the previous day, leading the region to brace for further escalation.
Israel-Iran War Live Updates: Israel warned that the attack would lead to significant repercussions
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) conducted targeted intelligence-driven raids in southern Lebanon, uncovering rocket launcher munitions, anti-tank missiles, and rockets hidden within a residential property. Furthermore, the military reported that numerous weapons intended for use against Israeli territory were abandoned in various buildings and civilian homes. These included anti-tank missiles, firearms, observation posts, and an explosive device that had been buried by enemy forces in the vicinity, according to the Israeli military.
The United States has deployed dozens of troops to Cyprus to assist in preparations for possible evacuations of Americans from Lebanon, according to the State Department. Additionally, the U.S. is coordinating with airlines to increase the number of flights and seats available for Americans seeking to leave Lebanon.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, arrived in Beirut on Friday, as reported by Lebanese state media. A Reuters live broadcast captured the landing of an Iranian-flagged plane at Beirut airport, only hours after airstrikes targeted areas near the airport overnight.
Araqchi is scheduled to meet with Lebanon’s Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, and Speaker of Parliament, Nabih Berri.
The US State Department has announced that the US Embassy in Beirut is ready to offer emergency loans to Americans looking to leave Lebanon. Many citizens have expressed frustration over skyrocketing ticket prices, making even nearby destinations like Cyprus financially out of reach as commercial airline services from Beirut have significantly decreased. Currently, the only airline providing international flights from Lebanon is Middle East Airlines, the national carrier.
US President Joe Biden spoke to reporters on Thursday, expressing his belief that an “all-out war” could be averted. He recognized the significant efforts required to stabilize rising tensions in the Middle East while reaffirming his support for Israel. His remarks follow Israel’s intensified strikes in Lebanon aimed at targeting Hezbollah operatives.
Israeli forces have confirmed the death of another Hezbollah leader, Mohammed Anisi, following a strike on Hezbollah’s intelligence headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon. This marks the latest in a series of targeted strikes that have resulted in the deaths of several key Hezbollah commanders, including their chief, Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed earlier this week.
A source close to Lebanon’s Hezbollah group reported that Israel conducted 11 consecutive airstrikes on the group’s stronghold in southern Beirut. AFP correspondents in the capital and surrounding areas confirmed hearing loud explosions.
“Israel struck the southern suburbs 11 times in a row,” said the source, speaking anonymously. The bombardment was so powerful that car alarms were triggered, and buildings in Beirut and its outskirts trembled from the blasts.
AP
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that the escalation of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could adversely affect the economy within the region and worldwide. IMF spokesperson Julie Kozack expressed concern regarding Lebanon’s current situation and stated that global financial institutions are monitoring the developments.
Israel has launched airstrikes on Beirut whereas Hezbollah has increased its cross-border strike and has targeted Israeli towns. Hezbollah has taken the responsibility for firing the rockets at Haifa Bay. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization has reported that around 28 healthcare workers have lost their lives in the last 24 hours, as reported by Reuters.
Israel has issued an immediate evacuation order for residents staying in more than 20 towns in southern Lebanon. As per the latest reports, Israel continues its cross-border operations and has attacked Hezbollah locations in Beirut. The warnings till now have been issued for at least 70 towns in total, including the provincial capital, Nabatieh.
A meeting of Asian nations hosted by Qatar had ministers from Iran and Gulf Arab states. The main topic discussed was the de-escalation of the ongoing tension between Iran and Israel, as sources close to Reuters revealed. The Gulf Arab states wanted to reassure Iran of their neutrality in the conflict amid fears that a wider escalation may threaten Gulf oil facilities.
Lebanon’s transport minister, Ali Hamieh has stated on Thursday that the government is a keeping a watch at all border crossings. The statement comes amid Israeli allegations that Hezbollah has been smuggling weapons into Lebanon from Syria via Masnaa border crossing. On receiving this update, the Lebanese authorities are making sure to heighten their security on the borders.
Iran has rejected the Group of Seven (G7) criticism of its alleged attack on Israel, and termed the statement as ‘’biased and irresponsible.’’ In a statement released on Thursday, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated that the country does not agree with the G7’s opinion, and said that Tehran thinks the criticism lacks fairness.
The Israeli military reported that seven soldiers were killed in two separate Hezbollah attacks in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, though no further details were provided. This announcement came shortly after the military confirmed the first Israeli combat death in Lebanon since the beginning of the current incursion.
The Palestine Health Ministry has reported that ninety-nine Palestinians lost their lives in the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours, with an additional 169 individuals sustaining injuries during the same timeframe. Furthermore, the Ministry has provided an update on the total number of fatalities since the onset of the ongoing conflict on October 7.
Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee on Thursday, October 3, 2024, accused the Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah of smuggling weapons from Syria via the Masnaa border crossing. Meanwhile, Hezbollah stated that it thwarted an Israeli attempt to advance near the Fatima Gate border roundabout, according to a statement released by the group. – Reuters
UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, shared her distress on social media platform ‘X’, noting that no sirens were sounded before Israel launched airstrikes on Beirut. She expressed despair as the city continues to be rocked by numerous Israeli bombardments. On October 1, she had posted an official statement from the UN Special Coordinator’s office, voicing concern for the Lebanese people and the potential consequences of escalating conflict on Lebanon.
On Thursday, October 3, 2024, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani denounced the ongoing crisis in the region as a “collective genocide.” He emphasized that Qatar has consistently warned against Israel’s “impunity,” expressing concern over the escalating situation. – Reuters
As Israel’s airstrikes and bombardments on Lebanon show no signs of abating, thousands of Lebanese citizens have been left homeless. Many are also fleeing to Syria as Israel continues to target residential areas in Beirut.
Yemen’s Iran-backed Huthi rebels announced on Thursday (October 3, 2024) that they executed a drone attack on Tel Aviv, though Israeli authorities have not confirmed this.
In their statement, the Huthis claimed they conducted a military operation targeting a key site in the Jaffa area of occupied Palestine using several drones.
They asserted that the operation was successful, stating that the drones reached their objectives without being intercepted or shot down by Israeli forces.
The Israeli military reported intercepting “a suspicious aerial target” over central Israel during the night but did not provide additional details.
AFP
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated that Middle Eastern countries could achieve peace if American and European forces were removed from the region. He criticized Western intervention under the guise of promoting peace, labeling it as a fundamental cause of war and ongoing conflicts.
If the villainy of the US and certain European countries is removed from this region, undoubtedly these conflicts and wars will be completely eliminated. Then the countries in the region can live together in peace, health, and prosperity.
— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) October 2, 2024