Israel Hits Central Beirut Without Warning Six Killed

Beirut: Fresh Israeli airstrikes hit central Beirut early Wednesday, killing at least six people and injuring 24 others, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. The strikes targeted densely populated residential areas without prior warning, raising concerns over civilian safety.

Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) reported that one strike hit an apartment in the Zuqaq al-Blat area, located near government offices and foreign embassies. Two additional strikes targeted residential buildings in the Basta district, causing severe damage. Rescue teams were seen searching through debris, with some victims still unidentified and requiring DNA testing.

Unlike a previous strike last week where evacuation warnings were issued, no warning was given before these attacks.

Later, the Israeli military issued an evacuation warning for a building in Beirut’s Bashoura area. Shortly after, another strike hit the same location, sending smoke across the city and causing panic among residents.

Simultaneously, Israel expanded its military operations in southern Lebanon, targeting what it described as Hezbollah positions. Strikes were reported in multiple areas including Tyre, Sidon, and Aaqbiyeh. Evacuation orders were issued for large parts of Tyre, forcing thousands to flee, while many families remained in place due to limited options.

The conflict has intensified since March 2, when Hezbollah launched rockets towards Israel following US-Israeli strikes that reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Since then, Israel has carried out widespread air and ground operations across Lebanon.

According to Lebanese authorities, more than 900 people have been killed and over one million displaced since the escalation began. Thousands are currently living in temporary shelters.

The situation remains tense, with ongoing airstrikes, rising casualties, and growing fears of a wider regional conflict.