Israel Strikes Lebanese Capital In First Attack Since April Ceasefire

ISTANBUL, May 7 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- Israel carried out an airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburbs on Wednesday evening, marking the first attack on the Lebanese capital since a temporary ceasefire took effect on April 17, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.

According to the state-run National News Agency, Israeli warplanes struck the Ghobeiry area near Haret Hreik, close to the Allameh gas station in southern Beirut.

Three missiles hit a residential apartment in southern Beirut, in the vicinity of Haret Hreik, the agency added.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz claimed the attack targeted the commander of Hezbollah’s Radwan Force, The Times of Israel reported.

There was no comment from Hezbollah on the strike.

The strike came hours after a Lebanese official source told Anadolu that a third round of talks between Beirut and Tel Aviv would be held next week.

Lebanese and Israeli officials previously held two rounds of talks in Washington on April 14 and April 23 as part of preparations for possible peace negotiations.

Despite a ceasefire announced April 17 and extended until May 17, the Israeli army continues daily strikes in Lebanon and widespread demolition of homes in dozens of villages, echoing its years-long devastation of Gaza.

Since March 2, Israeli attacks on Lebanon have killed at least 2,704 people and wounded 8,311 and displaced more than 1.6 million, about one-fifth of the population, according to the latest official figures.

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU