Israeli warplanes conducted targeted strikes in the southern reaches of Beirut, near Rafik Hariri International Airport. The rapid bursts of thunder rolled through the city as nearby neighborhoods felt the impact, and streetlights flickered in the afterlight of the blasts. Residents reported a relentless series of detonations that shook windows and sent dust into the air. Emergency lights and sirens joined the nighttime chorus while security forces redirected traffic and opened shelters for people seeking cover. Despite the ferocity of the attack, the southern corridor remained a focus of attention as the city endured another wave of aerial activity.
Explosions were audible at a distance from the airport runway, their force shaking buildings and rattling windows across the area. A pall of smoke hung over certain blocks, and motorists pulled over as police cordoned off streets. People described a piercing roar that sliced the night, followed by the soft hiss of falling debris and the distant rumble of more blasts. Hospitals and clinics prepared for possible casualties, and residents checked on neighbors, especially the elderly and those with limited mobility.
Even with the heavy air presence and ongoing attacks, Beirut’s airport was reported to continue normal operations. Airlines tracked schedules with heightened caution, coordinating with ground crews and air traffic controllers to maintain safety protocols. Passengers and staff remained alert, while authorities advised travelers to follow official guidance. The airport’s continued functioning underscored its role as a critical lifeline for humanitarian aid, regional commerce, and regional connectivity amid a tense security environment.
On October 30, Hezbollah appointed a new secretary general, Naim Kasim, and he delivered his inaugural address since assuming leadership. He pledged that his movement would pursue victory against Israel through sustained support, strategic resolve, and mobilization of allies. The speech reflected the broader currents shaping Hezbollah leadership during a period of renewed regional confrontation and shifting alliances, with observers watching closely how this transition might influence the group’s posture in Lebanon and beyond.
November 1 brought a night of heavy explosions in Beirut’s southern districts, attributed to a coordinated campaign by Israeli airpower and unmanned aircraft. Early casualty reports indicated multiple fatalities and extensive property damage, while emergency responders rushed to the affected neighborhoods. Security forces sealed affected roads to clear routes for ambulances and aid, and residents huddled in shelters as the city faced another surge of fear and disruption.
The broader Middle East dynamic worsened after attacks across Lebanon on September 17 and 18, followed by an escalation in Israeli air strikes. By September 23, officials announced a preemptive operation aimed at disabling Hezbollah’s military infrastructure inside Lebanon, a campaign dubbed Arrows of the North. Analysts warned that these moves risk dragging neighboring countries into the conflict and complicating regional diplomacy, with repercussions extending beyond Lebanon’s borders and into broader security calculations.
Earlier statements attributed to Iran suggested the international community would curb Israel’s actions, a claim cited by observers as they tracked shifting regional alignments. The evolving rhetoric and actions reflected a multi‑layered struggle that continues to shape life in Lebanon as the conflict unfolds, influencing daily decisions, political calculations, and the balance of power in the region.