A powerful Israeli airstrike struck Beirut’s Basta neighborhood early Saturday, killing at least four people and injuring 23, according to Hezbollah’s Al-Manar broadcaster and Lebanon’s health ministry.
The attack, which occurred around 5 a.m., targeted an eight-story building, leaving it completely destroyed and causing significant damage to surrounding structures, Lebanon’s National News Agency reported. Footage from local broadcaster Al Jadeed showed scenes of devastation, with rubble and debris scattered across the area.
Security sources confirmed that four bombs were dropped in the strike, marking the fourth Israeli airstrike on central Beirut this week. Previous attacks have predominantly focused on the southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold.
Israel’s recent offensive against Hezbollah, which began in September, has escalated in response to the group’s involvement in cross-border hostilities sparked by the Gaza conflict. The ongoing clashes trace back to October 7, 2023, when Hezbollah fired in solidarity with Hamas following its assault on southern Israel.
Efforts to mediate a ceasefire are underway, with U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein holding talks in Beirut and Jerusalem earlier this week. Despite reports of progress, the conflict continues to inflict heavy casualties and damage on both sides.
