A series of massive Israeli airstrikes early Saturday devastated parts of Beirut’s densely populated Basta district, leaving several dead and dozens injured, according to Lebanese media reports.
Reports noted that a residential eight-storey building was completely destroyed after being hit by five missiles, with rescue teams scrambling to locate survivors in the rubble.
The Lebanese health ministry confirmed four fatalities and 23 injuries, as quoted by Hezbollah-affiliated Al-Manar media.
Videos circulating online show the destruction in the area, with a plume of smoke rising from the site and debris littering the surrounding streets.
Emergency workers and residents searched through the dark for any signs of life, highlighting the harrowing impact of the strikes.
The Israeli military has not yet commented on the reported incident, which occurred around 4:00 a.m. local time.
However, the attack marks another escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
The Basta airstrikes come amid a broader Israeli offensive targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon, which began in September following increased rocket attacks on Israel.
These rocket salvos were launched by Hezbollah in solidarity with Hamas, which carried out an unprecedented assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023.
In response, Israel has intensified airstrikes across Lebanon, reportedly targeting Hezbollah leaders and infrastructure.
High-profile casualties have included senior members of the group, with reports suggesting its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, was among those killed in previous strikes.
Lebanese officials estimate that more than 3,500 people have died since the conflict’s escalation, with over one million displaced from their homes.
Israel, for its part, has stated its military operations aim to neutralize Hezbollah threats and ensure the return of around 60,000 residents displaced from northern Israel due to the group’s attacks.
Efforts to secure a ceasefire have so far yielded little progress. U.S. mediator Amos Hochstein recently held talks with both Israeli and Lebanese officials, but no agreement has been publicly announced.
The Basta airstrikes signal a dangerous intensification in the conflict, raising fears of broader instability across the region.
Analysts warn that the continued escalation risks dragging neighboring countries further into the fray, with devastating consequences for civilians on both sides of the border.
