Israeli forces carried out a series of powerful detonations near Lebanon’s UNESCO-listed Beaufort Castle, as they continue to occupy southern Lebanon despite a United States-brokered “ceasefire” agreement. The operation, which took place on Friday evening, involved the use of approximately 700 tons of explosives in an effort to dismantle Hezbollah’s infrastructure in the area.
According to eyewitnesses and reports from the National News Agency (NNA), Israeli forces triggered very powerful explosions around midnight near the Beaufort fortress, a Crusader-era castle located in southern Lebanon. The violent blasts shattered windows in several homes in the town of Qlayaa due to the force of the detonations and the shockwaves felt by residents throughout the area.
The NNA correspondent reported that the explosion was so powerful that it caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure in the surrounding areas, including a number of caves and houses. The Israeli military claimed that the operation was part of an ongoing campaign to dismantle Hezbollah’s infrastructure in southern Lebanon, but witnesses described the blast as “very destructive” and “shocking”.
The Beaufort Castle, which is located on Mount Hermon near the border with Syria, has been a focal point for tensions between Israel and Lebanon. The castle has been added to UNESCO’s List of World Heritage in Danger due to concerns over its condition and potential damage from Israeli military activities.
In response to the latest development, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun visited Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Thursday to discuss a range of issues, including the ongoing conflict between Israel and Lebanon. During their joint news conference, Aoun reiterated his commitment to achieving an Israeli withdrawal from all Lebanese territory, as well as the return of displaced people to their villages and simultaneous returns to their state and homeland.
Erdogan expressed support for the Lebanese Armed Forces in their efforts to rebuild and restore southern Lebanon after the conflict. He also stated that Turkey would continue to provide military assistance to Lebanon in its fight against terrorism.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces have continued to advance into southern Lebanon despite a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States. Since March 2, Israeli attacks on Lebanon have resulted in over 4,300 deaths and 12,000 injuries, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.
The ongoing conflict has had a devastating impact on civilians living in the affected areas, with many reporting feelings of exhaustion and despair. The situation remains volatile, with tensions between Israel and Lebanon likely to continue for the foreseeable future.
Source: Al Jazeera
Based on reporting from Al Jazeera.
