At Least 15 Dead in Attack as Lebanon Faces Rising Casualties Amid Ongoing Conflict
Israeli missile strikes have hit a residential building in the Basta neighborhood of central Beirut, killing at least 15 people and injuring dozens more, as the Israeli military intensifies its offensive against Hezbollah. The attack is part of a wider escalation that has resulted in thousands of civilian deaths in Lebanon.
Deadly Airstrike Levels Residential Building in Beirut
According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health, five Israeli missiles struck an eight-story residential building in the densely populated Basta area, resulting in at least 15 fatalities and 63 injuries. Emergency crews are continuing the grim task of searching for survivors amid the rubble. Rescue operations, involving bulldozers and heavy equipment, are ongoing as workers attempt to sift through the debris.
The Health Ministry reported that the exact number of fatalities may rise as DNA testing is conducted to identify the victims, as many body parts were unrecognizable. The attack took place at around 4 a.m. local time, shaking the city with multiple explosions. Security sources stated that at least four bombs were dropped in the raid.
Increased Frequency of Israeli Strikes in Central Beirut
This bombing marks at least the fourth Israeli airstrike on central Beirut in the past week, with Israeli forces continuing to target civilian areas in the heart of the city. The National News Agency (NNA) described the attack as a “horrific massacre,” with missiles aimed at deeply penetrating the building. Such attacks have been part of a broader Israeli strategy to target Hezbollah-linked areas, often without prior warning, and with devastating consequences for civilians.
Hezbollah Spokesman Killed in Israeli Airstrike
In a separate incident on Sunday, an Israeli airstrike killed Mohammad Afif, the spokesperson for Hezbollah, in the Ras al-Nabaa district of central Beirut. This follows a deadly strike on Friday, which demolished an 11-story building in southern Beirut. The Israeli military’s recent operations have been primarily concentrated in the southern suburbs, a known Hezbollah stronghold.
Forced Displacement Orders in Southern Beirut
On Saturday, the Israeli military issued new orders for the forced displacement of residents in several areas of southern Beirut, including Al-Hadath, Choueifat, and el-Aamroussieh. The military claimed these areas are near Hezbollah facilities and warned that further operations would target these locations in the near future.
Israel’s practice of issuing forced displacement orders, often in the middle of the night and sometimes with misleading or vague instructions, has left many residents scrambling to evacuate. While Israel sometimes gives short warnings before airstrikes, it does not consistently do so, leaving civilians vulnerable.
Rising Civilian Casualties and Attacks on Healthcare Workers
In addition to the destruction of civilian infrastructure, Israeli airstrikes have also claimed the lives of healthcare workers. The Ministry of Public Health reported on Friday that five healthcare workers were killed in the southern part of the country. The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that at least 226 health workers and patients have been killed in Lebanon since the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalated in October.
Since the beginning of the Israeli military campaign on Gaza, over 3,600 people have died and more than 15,000 have been injured in Lebanon, with a disproportionate number of casualties being civilians.
Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis
The situation in Lebanon continues to worsen as Israeli airstrikes devastate civilian areas and vital infrastructure. While international calls for de-escalation have grown louder, the violence shows little sign of abating, and the humanitarian toll continues to rise. As the conflict drags on, the destruction in Beirut and other areas highlights the devastating impact on innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.
