Israel’s military has conducted an airstrike in central Beirut, resulting in at least nine fatalities. This attack follows the deaths of eight Israeli soldiers during ground operations in southern Lebanon against Hezbollah forces.
The airstrike occurred overnight in the Bashoura neighborhood, close to the Lebanese parliament. Health officials in Lebanon reported that 14 individuals were injured in the strike, with four still receiving medical care in a hospital. This incident marks the second assault on Beirut in a week, with Hezbollah’s al-Manar television indicating that the targeted high-rise was associated with the group’s health unit. The Islamic Health Authority linked to Hezbollah stated that among the deceased were seven of its personnel, including two medics.
According to Al Jazeera’s Laura Khan, the explosion was powerful enough to shock those in the vicinity. Additional missiles targeted the southern suburb of Dahiyeh, an area heavily populated and known as a Hezbollah stronghold, where significant incidents occurred last week.
The Lebanese Army reported that one soldier was killed and another wounded due to an Israeli attack during a rescue operation in Taybeh village involving the Lebanese Red Cross. Four paramedics from the Red Cross also sustained injuries in this southern attack. The army later confirmed a second soldier’s death from an Israeli strike on a military post in the Bint Jbeil region, stating that troops returned fire.
The Israeli military did not provide an immediate response. It had previously claimed to have killed 15 Hezbollah fighters in an airstrike on a municipal building in Bint Jbeil, following a day when it announced the deaths of eight Israeli soldiers amid ground combat in southern Lebanon.
As conflicts escalate, Hezbollah has reported forcing Israeli troops to withdraw from various locations along the border. Mohammad Afif, the group’s media chief, indicated that the ongoing battles represent only the “first round,” asserting that Hezbollah possesses sufficient resources to repel Israel.
Imran Khan of Al Jazeera, reporting from Hasbaiyya in southern Lebanon, noted a potential shift in Israel’s strategy after its recent losses, observing a return to aerial bombardments, where Israel holds considerable advantage. Reports indicated ongoing exchanges of fire near the town of Nabatieh, with both Israeli airstrikes and Hezbollah rockets being launched.
Israel has stated that its ground offensive is primarily focused on dismantling tunnels and infrastructure along the border, denying plans for broader operations targeting Beirut or major southern cities. Nevertheless, new evacuation orders were issued for several towns along the southern border, advising residents to move north of the Awali River.
The Israeli military has continued to urge residents who fled Lebanese villages not to return until further notice due to ongoing operations. Meanwhile, Hezbollah and other regional allies, including Yemen’s Houthis and armed factions in Iraq, have increased actions in solidarity with Hamas amid ongoing conflict in Gaza.
On Thursday, the Houthis claimed responsibility for drone strikes targeting Israel’s commercial hub, Tel Aviv, asserting that the operation was successfully executed without detection. In response, Israel reported intercepting an unidentified aerial target over central Israel early Thursday.