In a recent report, Lebanon confirms 22 casualties resulting from Israeli airstrikes targeting the heart of Beirut.
Following previous focuses on the outskirts, Israel now seems to have set its sights on Beirut's capital, as suggested by a government announcement. This shift in strategy resulted in the tragic loss of 22 lives and left 117 others injured. Reports indicate that the objective of this operation was a senior figure in Hezbollah.
In accordance with information from the Lebanese Health Ministry, Israeli airstrikes have taken lives and caused injuries at two separate locations within Beirut's heart. The densely populated districts of Nuera and Basta were targeted, with additional reports of Ras Al-Nabaa being hit. Ambulances raced to the scene, and at least two buildings were reportedly leveled.
Unverified news sources hint towards the intended target being high-ranking Hezbollah official Wafik Safa, who is responsible for their internal and external communications. However, his whereabouts and potential involvement in the casualties remain uncertain. The Israeli Defense Force has yet to make any official statements.
An AP photographer on the ground reported the first strike in the Ras al-Nabaa neighborhood struck the base of an eight-story residential building, with sounds of explosions echoing within. Multiple ambulances responded to the scene, and it was said that at least two buildings were destroyed. The second impact hit the Burj Abi Haidar area, resulting in the collapse and subsequent blaze of an entire structure.
Israel traditionally steered clear of downtown Beirut
The Israeli military is currently examining details of the strikes in Beirut. Recent times have seen an increase in Israeli attacks on Hezbollah strongholds located in Beirut's southern suburbs. Prior to this, the Israeli military had largely refrained from engaging the center of Lebanon's capital.
Israel has repeatedly bombed structures believed to house Hezbollah commanders. Hezbollah's Al-Manar TV later disclosed an unsuccessful assassination attempt on Wafik Safa. It did not specify whether or not he was present in either of the impacted locations.
Before the evening attacks in Beirut, Lebanese authorities had reported a daily death toll of 28. Earlier in the day, two UNIFIL soldiers also sustained injuries as a result of Israeli fire in Lebanon's south.
The escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have led to speculations of a potential 'War with Israel', with Israel's airstrikes in Beirut targeting areas known to be Hezbollah strongholds. Despite Israel traditionally avoiding downtown Beirut, the recent strikes in Nuera, Basta, and Ras Al-Nabaa suggest a shift in its strategy.
