An Israeli airstrike in central Beirut early Saturday claimed the lives of at least 11 people and injured 63, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. The attack leveled an eight-story residential building in the Basta al-Fawqa neighborhood, marking one of the deadliest strikes on the Lebanese capital in recent weeks as clashes between Israel and Hezbollah escalate.
Unprecedented Devastation in Beirut’s Center
The strike occurred around 4 a.m. local time and left a massive crater, reportedly caused by bunker-busting bombs designed to penetrate underground structures before detonating. The Lebanese National News Agency (NNA) described the attack as a “horrific massacre,” noting that five missiles were used to completely demolish the residential building.
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“The Israeli enemy’s air force destroyed an entire building on Al-Mamoun Street,” the NNA stated. Rescue teams continued to clear rubble throughout Saturday, with authorities warning that the death toll could rise as DNA tests are conducted to identify body parts found in the wreckage.
Residents of the densely populated Basta neighborhood were jolted awake by the blasts. “It felt like the building was about to fall on our heads,” said 60-year-old Samir, who fled his home with his family. Footage from local media revealed widespread destruction in the working-class area, with the smell of explosives lingering in the air.
Rising Casualties and Widening Impact
Saturday’s strike follows weeks of intensified Israeli bombardment targeting Hezbollah strongholds across Lebanon. On Friday, airstrikes in southern Beirut destroyed an 11-story building, killing five paramedics. Since October 2023, Israeli attacks have resulted in 3,645 deaths and over 15,000 injuries across Lebanon, according to the country’s health ministry.
The conflict has displaced over a million Lebanese citizens, as reported by the UN’s refugee agency. The humanitarian toll continues to mount, with rescue efforts hampered by ongoing strikes and the lack of evacuation warnings in some cases.
Hezbollah-Israel Clashes Escalate
The strike on Basta al-Fawqa is part of Israel’s larger offensive against Hezbollah, which began in September. Israeli officials claim the campaign is aimed at neutralizing the militant group’s capabilities and ensuring the safety of northern Israeli communities. Hezbollah’s response has been equally fierce, with its leader, Naim Qassem, warning of retaliatory strikes on central Tel Aviv.
Tensions remain high in southern Lebanon, where intense fighting around the strategic town of Khiam continues. Both sides have suffered significant casualties in these clashes.
Beirut Under Fire
Israeli airstrikes have increasingly targeted central Beirut in recent weeks, moving beyond Hezbollah’s stronghold in the southern suburbs. Earlier strikes this week hit the Ras al-Nabaa, Zuqaq al-Blat, and Mar Elias neighborhoods, killing Hezbollah officials and civilians. The most high-profile casualty was Mohammad Afif, Hezbollah’s media relations chief, who died in a strike last Sunday.
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Amid the escalating violence, international efforts to broker a ceasefire continue. U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein visited Beirut earlier this week, expressing cautious optimism about progress in truce negotiations. However, both sides have set conditions for an agreement, with Hezbollah demanding full respect for Lebanese sovereignty and Israel insisting on maintaining intelligence and defense capabilities.