Israeli military operations intensified across Gaza and Lebanon on Sunday, June 1, as airstrikes hit civilian targets in both territories, challenging an existing ceasefire agreement.
In Gaza, an Israeli airstrike struck a crowded café at the seaport, killing at least two Palestinians and wounding approximately 12 others. According to reports from Al Jazeera and France 24, the victims had gathered at the waterfront to escape the heat and celebrate a public holiday. Health officials confirmed the casualty figures, while the Israeli military provided no immediate comment on the incident. The strike occurred despite an October ceasefire brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, which has struggled to maintain stability in the region.
Simultaneously, Israeli forces struck targets in southern Lebanon, destroying the Arch Almoulouk resort in Wadi al-Hujeir. The restaurant, owned by the famous Lebanese chef Husen Fayad, was widely regarded as one of the south’s most beloved landmarks. During the ongoing conflict, the site had served as a vital hub for displaced families, providing free meals to those fleeing the violence. Fayad shared images on social media showing the popular destination reduced to rubble following the strike.
Further north, residents in Beirut’s southern suburbs began a mass exodus on Sunday. The evacuations followed an order from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who directed the military to strike neighborhoods associated with Hezbollah. Footage from the Dahiyeh area showed gridlocked traffic as families attempted to flee the targeted zones ahead of the military operations. These strikes represent a significant escalation in the regional conflict, moving beyond the Gaza border to impact major Lebanese population centers and cultural landmarks.
