Israel attacks suburbs of Beirut, targeting alleged Hezbollah ‘drone factories’

Israel has carried out air strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, saying it was targeting Hezbollah's drone production.

The attack took place Thursday night, the eve of Eid Al Adha, one of the most important celebrations in Islam. 

There were no initial reports of injuries, the BBC reported. 

The attack occurred despite a ceasefire being in effect between Israel and Hezbollah for the past six months, the BBC reported. 

Lebanon's prime minister said he "strongly condemns" the strikes.

"I consider them to constitute a systematic and deliberate attack on our homeland, its security, stability, and economy, especially on the eve of the holidays and the tourist season," Nawaf Salam said in a post on X.

Thousands fled packed streets in the densely populated area following the evacuation warning, causing a traffic gridlock. Plumes of smoke then appeared in the sky.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun described the strikes as a "flagrant violation of an international accord" while noting it had occurred "on the eve of a sacred religious festival,” the BBC reported.

The strikes "generated renewed panic and fear on the eve of Eid Al-Adha," the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon wrote on X.

Jeannine Hennis also pointed to the importance of diplomacy in addressing "disputes or threats" and preventing "unnecessary and dangerous escalation".