Israeli airstrikes target non-Hezbollah neighborhood in central Beirut
Israeli airstrike targets Ras el-Nabaa, a non-Hezbollah neighborhood in central Beirut. (Photo via X/@hussein_khl)
Israeli airstrikes hit Ras el-Nabaa, a non-Hezbollah neighborhood in central Beirut, with two strikes reported. Smoke billowed from buildings in this densely populated area, affecting both Ras el-Nabaa and the nearby Al-Basta neighborhood. According to Health Ministry of Lebanon at least 22 dead and 117 injured as a result of the strikes.
Reports indicate that two explosions occurred in the city center of Beirut amid intense Israeli bombardment. Following the blasts, smoke was seen rising from the area, prompting a swift response from emergency services.
Numerous ambulances and fire teams were dispatched to the scene. Witnesses reported that one building targeted in the attack collapsed, damaging nearby homes and vehicles.
Senior Hezbollah figure targeted
Israel’s Channel 12 television reported that the attack was aimed at Wafik Safa, a senior Hezbollah figure and brother-in-law of the group’s Secretary-General, Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike.
Lebanese media, citing Hezbollah sources, claim Safa survived the attack. Meanwhile, Israeli authorities have not yet commented on the attack or the claim that Safa was the target.
Israel hits unprecedented location
This strike marks the most eastern and central location Israel has ever targeted in Beirut, situated in the city center and far from the southern suburbs which Israel has repeatedly pounded earlier.
Meanwhile, reportedly the French Embassy is located in the immediate vicinity of the site of the strike.
Since October 8, 2023, the Israeli army has engaged in controlled clashes with Hezbollah, launching hundreds of airstrikes on southern Lebanese cities and the Bekaa and Baalbek regions since September 23.
The Lebanese Ministry of Health reports that a total of 2,141 people have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict, including 104 children and 194 women.
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in Israeli airstrikes on Beirut on September 27. In response, Hezbollah has fired rockets and missiles at Israel, although no major damage has been reported from these attacks, which primarily target Israeli army bases.
