Israel launches first strike in heart of Beirut, nearly 1 million displaced

Israel launched its first attack at the heart of the Lebanese capital, Beirut, since the renewed outbreak of fighting between Hezbollah and Israel on October 8, 2023.

The attack has killed at least three members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, according to local TV channel al-Jadeel.

Israel has shifted its focus from Gaza to Lebanon in recent days, carrying out strikes on Hezbollah targets that resulted in the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on Friday.

Lebanon's Health Ministry has reported that more than 1,000 Lebanese have been killed and 6,000 wounded in the past two weeks, without specifying how many of the casualties were civilians.

During a cabinet meeting to discuss the latest developments in the region, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati stated that the number of displaced people due to Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon may reach one million.

Mikati described the scale of the displacement as "the largest in the history of Lebanon," calling for "a ceasefire on all fronts."

Israel has vowed to continue the assault, stating that it wants to secure its northern areas for residents who have been forced to flee due to Hezbollah rocket attacks.

The United States has urged a diplomatic resolution to the conflict in Lebanon but has also authorized its military to reinforce the region.

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry stated on Monday that the kingdom is closely monitoring the recent escalation of violence in Lebanon with "great concern," emphasizing the necessity of safeguarding Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In light of the ongoing turmoil, Saudi Arabia reiterated its solidarity with the Lebanese populace and urged the international community to take decisive action to preserve regional peace and security, warning against the perils of war.

Furthermore, the ministry announced initiatives to provide medical and humanitarian aid to support the Lebanese people during these critical times.

The World Food Program (WFP) launched an emergency operation on Sunday to provide food assistance for up to one million people affected by the recent escalation between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

A statement released by the WFP indicated that the agency is distributing ready-to-eat food rations, bread, hot meals and food parcels to families in shelters nationwide.

According to the statement, the WFP has been providing assistance on the ground since day one of the crisis, reaching over 66,000 individuals in shelters across the country.

"To continue these critical operations, the WFP urgently requires $105 million until the end of the year and calls on the international community to mobilize resources and support the humanitarian response," the statement added.

"Lebanon is at a breaking point and cannot endure another war," said Corinne Fleischer, WFP regional director for the Middle East, North Africa and Eastern Europe. "The WFP is on the ground, but we urgently need funds. More urgently, the people in the region need peace."

(With input from Xinhua, AFP)