Israel Strikes Beirut Again, Lebanon Ceasefire at Risk of Collapse

The Israeli military launched an airstrike on the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital, Beirut, on Sunday (14/6). The action has sparked major concern as it was carried out amid a ceasefire agreement that is supposed to still be in effect between the two parties. According to a report by an Anadolu correspondent, Israeli fighter jets bombarded the Dahiyeh area without prior warning. Eyewitnesses reported hearing two loud explosions in the area, followed by thick plumes of smoke billowing from the target site. In an official statement, the Israeli military claimed the attack was aimed at a location affiliated with the Hizbullah group. However, this strike occurred during a ceasefire period that has been in effect since 17 April 2026. Sunday’s attack reportedly took place just hours after senior Israeli officials, namely Head of Security Authority Itamar Ben-Gvir and Head of Finance Authority Bezalel Smotrich, called for airstrikes on Dahiyeh. The call came in response to an earlier attack by two Hizbullah drones on northern Israel. Despite the cessation of hostilities agreement, the Israeli military has reportedly continued bombing operations in Lebanon since 2 March 2026. To date, Israeli forces are also reported to still be occupying several areas in southern Lebanon. Data from Lebanese authorities shows the destructive impact of the series of conflicts that have occurred since early March. Israeli attacks are reported to have caused more than 3,700 deaths and injured nearly 11,500 others. Beyond the death toll, the humanitarian crisis is worsening, with more than 1.5 million Lebanese residents forced to flee their homes. This latest ceasefire violation is feared to prolong the suffering of civilians and close off avenues for peace dialogue in the region.