Massive Israeli Airstrike Levels Beirut Residential Building, Leaves Dozens Dead or Injured

A devastating Israeli airstrike flattened an eight-storey residential building in Beirut’s densely populated Basta district early Saturday, killing at least 11 people and injuring over 60, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. The strike occurred at 04:00 local time without prior warning, leaving a massive crater at the site.

Emergency teams continue to search for survivors amidst the rubble, with officials warning the death toll may rise. DNA testing is being used to identify victims. Witnesses described the chaotic aftermath, with families caught off guard by the explosions.

This is the fourth Israeli attack on central Beirut this week, amid escalating hostilities with Hezbollah. Saturday’s attack followed a series of strikes targeting Hezbollah facilities, as Israel intensified its campaign against the group.

The conflict, rooted in Hezbollah’s support for Hamas and rocket attacks into Israel, has caused severe devastation in Lebanon. Over 3,500 people have been killed, and more than a million displaced, according to Lebanese authorities.
Efforts by U.S. mediator Amos Hochstein to broker a ceasefire have shown limited progress, leaving the region on edge as the violence continues.