BEIRUT, LEBANON May 28, 2026 – Israeli warplanes struck Beirut’s southern suburbs on Thursday, marking the second such attack on the area since a fragile U.S.-mediated ceasefire took effect in mid-April. The strikes, combined with intensified bombardment across southern Lebanon, have killed at least 16 people and wounded dozens more, according to Lebanese health authorities.
The latest assault targeted the Choueifat neighborhood in Beirut’s southern suburbs, near the city’s international airport. Videos circulating on social media showed plumes of white smoke rising from residential areas following the impact.
Al Jazeera correspondent Zeina Khodr, reporting from the ground, highlighted the civilian toll and ongoing displacement. Strikes also hit Tyre, Nabatieh, and surrounding villages, prompting fresh evacuation orders and forcing thousands more to flee their homes.
The ceasefire, brokered by the United States, began on April 16-17 and has been extended multiple times, most recently for 45 days in mid-May. It aimed to halt full-scale fighting between Israel and Hezbollah that escalated sharply earlier in 2026.
Despite the truce, both sides have accused each other of repeated violations. Israel says its operations target Hezbollah infrastructure, commanders, and launch sites in response to alleged militant activity. Hezbollah and Lebanese officials describe the Israeli actions as aggression that has killed hundreds and displaced over a million since March.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to intensify operations to “crush” Hezbollah, while the Israeli military claims to have hit hundreds of targets in recent days.
Lebanese authorities report rising casualties and widespread destruction in southern towns. Rescue teams have been seen recovering bodies from rubble, with many families displaced for the second or third time this year. The strikes come ahead of planned U.S.-mediated talks in Washington, raising fears that the fragile truce could fully collapse.
International observers and the Lebanese government have condemned the attacks as violations of the ceasefire agreement.
This is a developing story. Further updates expected as the situation evolves.
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