In what is being described as one of the deadliest attacks on Beirut since the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah began, the Lebanese health ministry has confirmed that 22 people were killed and 117 others wounded in Israeli airstrikes on residential areas in central Beirut.
The strikes targeted the Bachoura neighborhood, a predominantly Shia area in the capital. Rescue teams have been working through the rubble to search for survivors, while hospitals have been flooded with casualties.
According to security sources, the airstrike was reportedly aimed at Wafiq Safa, a key ally of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Safa is believed to have survived the attack, though this has not been officially confirmed by Israel or Hezbollah.
No prior warning was issued before the strikes, and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has yet to release any statement regarding the incident. The lack of official comment has heightened tensions as the conflict shows no signs of abating.
