Israeli airstrikes hit central Beirut early on Saturday, destroying a residential building and causing multiple casualties. Local media report that at least four people were killed and 23 injured in the Basta district. The attack, which involved five missiles, left a large crater and significant damage in the densely populated area. Emergency teams worked through the night to search for survivors amid the wreckage.
This escalation follows a series of Israeli strikes on Hezbollah positions in Beirut and southern Lebanon since September, with the IDF targeting the group in response to rocket attacks launched by Hezbollah in support of Hamas after the deadly October 7 assault on Israel. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has resulted in over 3,500 deaths and the displacement of more than one million people in Lebanon.
Despite attempts by US mediators to broker a ceasefire, the hostilities show no sign of abating as Israel seeks to regain control over areas affected by Hezbollah's attacks.
