Israel Strikes Beirut Suburbs, Violates Ceasefire

Israel conducted airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, days after a US-backed ceasefire agreement went into effect, resulting in casualties and damage. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the strikes were in retaliation for alleged rocket fire by the Iranian-backed Hezbollah into northern Israel. This action risks renewing full-scale war across the Middle East, as warned by Iran, and complicates ongoing mediation efforts by Pakistan between the United States and Iran. The conflict in Lebanon, including Israel's ground invasion and clashes with Hezbollah, threatens the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical transit point for oil and gas, which has already caused global energy prices to spike and raised concerns about a hunger crisis. The US military has also engaged Iranian drones in the Strait of Hormuz and maintained a blockade on Iranian ports, further highlighting the regional instability.