Israel launches airstrikes targeting residential area in central Beirut

Multiple Strikes Hit Lebanon, Displacing Thousands

A multistorey building in Aisha Bakkar, central Beirut, was targeted in a strike on Wednesday, with reports suggesting it may be an attempted assassination. The incident occurred without prior warning from Israel, which has continued its bombardment of Lebanon.

The strikes have been part of the ongoing regional conflict sparked by the United States and Israel’s attack on Iran. The conflict has resulted in nearly 700,000 people being displaced. At least one person was killed in Zlaya, Bekaa, early on Wednesday, with the number of casualties from the central Beirut strike still unconfirmed.

Israel and Hezbollah have traded heavy fire during the conflict, but the impact has been disproportionate. Since Israel renewed its attacks on Lebanon last Monday, at least 570 people have been killed. Two Israeli soldiers have been killed in Lebanon, while several people have been injured in Israel due to Hezbollah rockets.

The strike in Beirut hit a residential building, with reports indicating that many residents are now in hospital. The building is not located near any known Hezbollah stronghold or influence area, but is in a densely populated residential district. Witnesses describe the scene as chaotic, with people feeling there is nowhere safe and no clear front line.

Israel carried out the strike without warning, according to reports from Al Jazeera. The building was partially destroyed, with at least two apartments on fire. There is currently no information on who the target was.

In addition to the Beirut strike, several other deadly attacks were reported in Lebanon overnight, including in the southern suburbs of Beirut and the village of Hanaway in the Tyre district. Two Israeli air strikes hit the village of Hanaway, killing three civilians, including a paramedic.

The United Nations has called for “immediate de-escalation” in Lebanon, citing the impact of Israeli forced displacement orders on hundreds of thousands of people. France has announced plans to provide 60 metric tons of humanitarian aid to Lebanon, with an additional 60 tons expected to arrive this week.

Source: Al Jazeera