Deadly Israeli Strike Hits Central Beirut

AFP/APP

Beirut: An Israeli air strike in central Beirut early Saturday killed at least 11 people and reduced a residential building to rubble, shaking the city awake as Israel intensified its air campaign against Hezbollah.

The strike targeted the working-class Basta neighborhood, killing 11 people and injuring 63, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. The ministry noted that “a large amount of body parts are being identified,” and the final death toll will be confirmed after DNA testing.

Rescue operations continued Saturday morning in the city center. An excavator worked to clear the rubble of the eight-storey building as firefighters and civil defense personnel remained on-site, with crowds gathering around the devastated area.

Samir, a 60-year-old resident of a nearby building, recounted the harrowing experience. “The strike was so strong it felt like the building was about to fall on our heads,” he said. Samir fled his home with his wife and children, witnessing two dead bodies on the ground. “The children started crying, and their mother cried even more,” he added.

The state-run National News Agency reported that Israeli jets launched six missiles at the structure, causing “widespread destruction in buildings” nearby. Unlike some strikes in Hezbollah strongholds, the predawn attack in Basta was not preceded by an evacuation warning, raising speculation that it may have targeted high-level members outside of Hezbollah’s traditional areas of influence.

The ministry confirmed the casualty count and injuries while highlighting ongoing efforts to identify victims.

Another Israeli strike targeted Hadath in Beirut’s southern suburbs, a known Hezbollah stronghold. No details on casualties or damages from this attack were immediately available.

Israel has not commented on the strike, and Hezbollah has yet to issue a statement.