Israel Escalates Airstrikes on Lebanon, Targeting Hezbollah Strongholds, Nasrallah's fate unclear after Friday's massive attack

Israeli airstrikes have intensified across Lebanon, with waves of bombardments hitting Hezbollah-controlled areas, including Beirut's southern suburbs, on Saturday. The strikes follow a massive attack on Hezbollah's headquarters on Friday, which appeared to target the group's long-serving leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. His current status remains unknown, as Hezbollah has yet to release any statement.

Before dawn, Reuters journalists in Beirut reported hearing over 20 airstrikes, with additional attacks occurring after sunrise. Smoke billowed from Dahiyeh, the southern suburb of Beirut that is a stronghold for Hezbollah. The escalating conflict has forced thousands to flee the area, many seeking refuge in downtown Beirut, where displaced families were seen camping in public spaces like Martyrs Square.

"They want to destroy Dahiyeh; they want to destroy all of us," said Sari, a man in his 30s who had fled following an Israeli evacuation order. Others displaced by the violence have resorted to sleeping on mats in the open air, hoping for a reprieve from the ongoing bombardments.

The Israeli military reported that a missile fired from Lebanon on Saturday struck an open area in central Israel. Earlier, about 10 projectiles were launched into Israeli territory from Lebanon, some of which were intercepted by Israel's defense systems. In response, the Israeli military has continued to pound Hezbollah targets, focusing on the Bekaa Valley near the Syrian border, an area that has been heavily hit over the past week.

This latest surge in violence between Israel and Hezbollah comes amid escalating tensions in the region, raising fears of a broader conflict. With Hezbollah's leader potentially targeted and the extent of the damage in Beirut growing, the situation remains highly volatile.

The ongoing airstrikes have led to a humanitarian crisis, with thousands of displaced Lebanese citizens struggling to find shelter and safety. Families, including young children, have been forced to seek refuge in Beirut's open spaces, unable to return to their homes in the southern suburbs. Humanitarian organizations are bracing for increased displacement and casualties if the violence continues.

The international community has expressed concern over the rising hostilities, urging both sides to de-escalate the situation. However, with no sign of Hezbollah or Israel backing down, the likelihood of further conflict remains high.

As Lebanon grapples with the fallout from the airstrikes and the uncertain fate of Nasrallah, the region faces one of its most dangerous confrontations in years.