Beirut, Lebanon – A powerful airstrike rattled central Beirut on Saturday, as Israel continued its offensive against the Iran-backed group Hezbollah. The attack in Beirut’s Basta neighborhood resulted in at least four people killed and 33 wounded, according to reports. The health ministry confirmed the casualties, describing the destruction of an eight-story building as a result of the airstrike.
Footage broadcasted by Lebanon’s Al Jadeed station showed the aftermath of the attack, with at least one building destroyed and several others badly damaged in the surrounding area. This marked the fourth Israeli airstrike hitting a central area of Beirut in the past week.
Israeli ground troops also engaged with Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon, with reports of clashes and rocket fire exchanged between the two sides. Additionally, a separate Israeli airstrike in Baalbek province in northeast Lebanon resulted in casualties, including the hospital director and several colleagues.
The escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon has raised concerns for a potential ceasefire, with international efforts being made to broker peace. US mediator Amos Hochstein visited Beirut, expressing hope for a truce while discussions continued between leaders in the region.
The recent conflict has caused significant damage and loss of life, with thousands of casualties reported over the past year. The situation in Lebanon remains volatile, with Israeli military operations intensifying and residents facing continued threats and disruptions to daily life.
In Gaza, another front in the broader conflict, hospitals are facing critical fuel shortages that could impact patient care. The dire humanitarian situation in the region has drawn international attention, with calls for immediate action to address the mounting crisis.
As tensions escalate and violence persists in the region, the need for a sustainable ceasefire and diplomatic resolutions becomes ever more pressing. The impact of the conflict on civilian populations and healthcare facilities underscores the urgency for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis.
