Three Palestinian Leaders Killed in Israeli Strike on Beirut

Three leaders of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) were killed in an Israeli airstrike on Beirut, marking the first attack within the city’s core. The strike occurred in the Kola district, hitting an apartment building’s upper floor, according to local reports.

The Israeli military has not issued a comment on the attack. This incident comes as Israel intensifies its military operations against Iran-backed militias in Lebanon and Yemen, raising concerns that the regional conflict could widen, potentially involving Iran and the United States.

Middle East Tensions on the Rise

Over the weekend, Israel launched a series of airstrikes, hitting Hezbollah targets across Lebanon and Houthi militias in Yemen. These actions followed the killing of a Hezbollah leader by Israeli forces, leading to further retaliation from Hezbollah and the Houthis.

In Yemen, airstrikes on the port city of Hodeidah left four dead and 29 injured, according to local health officials. In Lebanon, over 100 people were reported dead from Israeli strikes on Sunday, with the Health Ministry estimating more than 1,000 fatalities and 6,000 injuries over the last two weeks of conflict.

Impact on Civilians

Lebanon has seen mass displacement, with a million people—about a fifth of the population—fleeing their homes. Displaced families are seeking refuge in various parts of the country, including in Beirut's Zaitunay Bay, a once-popular waterfront area. Meanwhile, Israeli drones have been hovering over the city, and airstrikes continue to rattle the capital.

Regional Diplomacy and the US Involvement

As tensions mount, the United States has urged a diplomatic resolution but has also authorized military reinforcements in the region. US President Joe Biden expressed hopes to avoid an all-out war in the Middle East, signaling plans to engage in talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israel has vowed to persist with its military operations, aiming to secure its northern regions, which have been heavily targeted by Hezbollah rocket attacks.