Beirut: In the heart of Beirut, Lebanon, recent Israeli airstrikes have resulted in the tragic loss of at least 18 lives and left 92 others injured across two distinct areas of the city. According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Health, one residential building suffered severe damage, while another collapsed entirely due to the assaults.
The Israeli military has yet to issue an immediate response to these airstrikes in Lebanon’s capital. These attacks occur against the backdrop of Israel expanding its operations against Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, including the initiation of ground offensives in the region.
The first strike targeted the Ras Al-Naba area, where an explosion devastated the lower floors of an eight-story building. The second attack hit the Bourj Abi Haidar sector, resulting in the complete collapse of a building engulfed in flames.
Earlier, Palestinian medical officials reported that Israeli forces attacked a school sheltering displaced individuals in Gaza on Thursday, causing at least 27 fatalities. The Israeli military stated it targeted militant operatives hiding among civilians, although no concrete evidence was provided to support these claims. Israel continues its offensive against militant sites in Palestinian territories, intensifying its focus on the conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon and escalating tensions with Iran. This week, Israel launched extensive air and ground operations against Hamas in northern Gaza.
Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital reported that the recent attacks in Deir al-Balah resulted in the deaths of a child and seven women, bringing the total fatalities to 27. Numerous others were injured in the assaults. The Israeli military claimed it targeted a militant command and control centre within the school, a facility allegedly used by Hamas-operated police. Israel has repeatedly attacked schools repurposed as shelters in Gaza, accusing militants of using these locations for hiding and operations.
Witnesses described the attack as aimed at a temporary police outpost operated by Hamas within the shelter. They reported that the strike occurred while the school manager was in a meeting with representatives from a relief organisation in a room typically used by Hamas-operated police. At the time of the attack, no police officers were present in the room.
In a separate incident, a United Nations official reported that two peacekeepers were injured in the recent Israeli strikes in Lebanon. The official, who requested anonymity, stated that the Israeli military targeted three locations of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in southern Lebanon on Thursday.
As the situation unfolds, international observers remain concerned about the rising violence and its impact on civilian populations in both Lebanon and Gaza. The ongoing conflict underscores the fragile stability in the region and the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to prevent further loss of life.
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