A devastating Israeli airstrike in central Beirut has left nine people dead, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. The strike, which occurred late Wednesday, targeted an apartment building in a densely populated area, not far from the United Nations headquarters, the prime minister’s office, and parliament.
The attack caught residents off guard, with no prior warning given before the strike. Hezbollah’s civil defense unit reported that seven of its members were among the fatalities. The strike marks a rare instance of Israel targeting the heart of the Lebanese capital, as it has primarily focused on areas with a strong Hezbollah presence since late September.
The airstrike comes as Israel continues to conduct a ground incursion into southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah strongholds. The Israeli military has reported the deaths of eight soldiers in the conflict. Meanwhile, Israeli strikes in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of dozens of people, including children.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has been escalating since October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a cross-border attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and took 250 others hostage. Israel responded by declaring war on the militant group in the Gaza Strip, leading to a significant escalation of violence.
According to local health officials, more than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, with women and children accounting for over half of the fatalities. The conflict shows no signs of abating, with both sides continuing to exchange fire across the Lebanon border on a near-daily basis.
