Israel Bombing Beirut Again Meanwhile a Ceasefire is Negotiated

November 26, 2024 Hour: 3:26 pm

The massive bombardments spread simultaneously to large areas of the southern suburb of Beirut. The attacks were described as some of the most intense and destructive since the beginning of the conflict in Lebanon.Israel launched a massive air offensive on Beirut on 26 November, destroying several buildings in the Lebanese capital and its southern suburb, in what appears to be a last military assault before a potential ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah.Massive shelling destroyed residential buildings after issuing evacuation orders in more than 20 buildings. The IDF claimed to have attacked dozens of Hizbullah targets, including a devastating strike in the Nuwairi area in central Beirut where a four-storey building housing displaced persons was completely destroyed.These bombings occur just before a crucial session of the Israeli cabinet, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to give the green light to a possible ceasefire agreement.The US and French delegations to the UN Security Council confirmed the possibility of a ceasefire in Lebanon. The agreement provides for an initial 60-day truce with specific conditions: the Lebanese army would be deployed in the south in exchange for the withdrawal of Israeli troops and Hezbollah, a process that would be overseen by an American committee.The potential agreement would focus on implementing UN Resolution 1701, with specific conditions: Hezbollah should withdraw beyond the Litani River, the Lebanese army would deploy troops to the south, and Israel would withdraw its invading forces, all within 60 days. However, some members of the Israeli Government remain in disagreement with the plan, while attacks continue unabated in Beirut.In this context, Hamas senior leader Osama Hamdan spoke on 25 November about the possible ceasefire agreement, expressing support for his movement. In an interview, Hamdan declared: «Any announcement of a ceasefire in Lebanon is welcome, since Hezbollah has been on the side of our people and has made great sacrifices».The leader stressed solidarity within the so-called Axis of Resistance, emphasizing that «we trust each other and coordinate in all details». Hamdan further stressed that Hezbollah continues to fight at this time, forcing Israeli officials to take refuge through its attacks and making Israel «pay a price» for its military offensive.However, Beirut has expressed cautious optimism and has pledged not to accept any agreement that violates its national sovereignty