A powerful Israeli airstrike rocked central Beirut early Saturday, killing at least four people and leaving dozens injured, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. The attack, which targeted an eight-storey building in the Basta neighborhood, caused widespread destruction and left the Lebanese capital reeling. The National News Agency reported that Israel deployed bunker buster bombs, creating a massive crater at the scene, while footage showed obliterated buildings and shattered infrastructure.
The strike, carried out around 4 a.m. local time, marks the fourth assault on central Beirut this week, a departure from Israel's previous focus on Hezbollah strongholds in the southern suburbs. This escalation follows nearly three months of intensified Israeli operations against Hezbollah across Lebanon, with the group firing in solidarity with Hamas after the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Rescuers scrambled through the rubble, with many victims transported to hospitals as traumatized families shared their anguish.
Nemir Zakariya, whose family members were severely injured, described scenes of chaos and devastation. "There was dust, wrecked houses, and people running and screaming," he said, holding up a picture of his hospitalized daughter. His account painted a vivid picture of the human toll as emergency workers continued their recovery efforts amid destroyed neighborhoods.
The airstrike represents a significant escalation in Israel's ongoing campaign against Hezbollah, a critical ally of Iran in the region. Since September, Israeli forces have conducted extensive air and ground operations in Lebanon, intensifying the conflict that began as a spillover from Hamas' assault on southern Israel. The use of central Beirut as a target underscores the widening scope of hostilities.
Efforts to broker a ceasefire are underway, with U.S. mediator Amos Hochstein traveling to both Beirut and Jerusalem for talks. While Hochstein reported some progress after discussions with Lebanese officials and Israeli leaders, the situation on the ground remains volatile, as residents in Beirut brace for potential further strikes.
