An intense Israeli airstrike hit central Beirut, according to security sources, rattling the Lebanese capital as Israel intensified its campaign against the Iran-supported Hezbollah group.At least four individuals lost their lives and 23 others were injured in the assault in Beirut’s Basta neighborhood, as reported by Hezbollah’s al-Manar broadcaster, referencing the health ministry.
Lebanon’s National News Agency indicated that the strike led to numerous casualties and injuries, along with the destruction of an eight-storey building. Footage aired by Lebanon’s Al Jadeed station revealed at least one building obliterated and several others severely damaged in the vicinity.
The explosions reverberated through the capital around 4:00 AM local time, as observed by Reuters witnesses. Security sources reported that a minimum of four bombs were deployed during the attack.
Israel initiated a significant offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon in September, following nearly a year of cross-border confrontations sparked by the Gaza conflict, subjecting extensive regions of Lebanon to airstrikes and deploying troops in the south.
The hostilities began when Hezbollah fired in support of its Palestinian ally Hamas after the latter launched the attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023.
A US mediator visited Lebanon and Israel this week to facilitate a ceasefire. The envoy, Amos Hochstein, suggested that progress was made following discussions in Beirut on Tuesday and Wednesday, before proceeding to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz.
