Beirut, Lebanon (DT) – A deadly Israeli airstrike in the heart of Beirut has left 9 dead and 14 injured, heightening fears of an all-out conflict between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah. The strike hit a densely populated area in central Beirut, destroying buildings and sending shockwaves through the city.
Eyewitnesses reported scenes of chaos as first responders rushed to the site, where bodies were pulled from the rubble and survivors sought safety.
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As investigations continue, officials have collected DNA samples to identifying the victims of the Israeli bombing that targeted the central Beirut area of Al Bashura.
According to Lebanon’s health ministry, specialists are still “working to complete DNA tests to identify the remains recovered from the site of the attack,” and the final victim count will be confirmed once these tests are completed.
The Lebanese National News Agency (ANN) reported that the strike destroyed a center operated by the Islamic Health Authority, an organization affiliated with Hezbollah responsible for healthcare services.
They also indicated that “internationally banned phosphorus bombs” were used in the assault.
The strike follows a targeted bombing by Israel on Monday that hit an apartment in the Cola neighborhood in southern Beirut, killing three members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.
Israel’s military has been conducting near-daily airstrikes in the southern suburbs of Beirut, known as Dahye, a key Hezbollah stronghold. Just last week, the leader of Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah, was killed in a bombardment that reverberated throughout the capital.
Last night, Israeli army spokesman for Arab media, Avichay Adraee, warned residents of Dahye to evacuate at least 500 meters from targeted areas due for bombing in several locations on the outskirts.
“A call to all residents of Lebanese villages who have evacuated their homes for their own safety: IDF raids are continuing. For your safety and the safety of your families – do not return home until further notice,” Adraee wrote on X.
At least 46 people were killed on Wednesday and another 85 were injured in Israeli bombings against Lebanon, the Lebanese health ministry said on X.
The casualties occurred in southern Lebanese regions, including Nabatieh, as well as Bekaa and Baalbek in the northeast of the country.
Among those killed Wednesday in an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon was an American citizen, Kamel Ahmad Jawad, his daughter, Nadine Jawad, said in a statement.
Since the hostilities began last year, Israeli attacks have resulted in nearly 2,000 deaths and displaced 1.2 million people, primarily from the southern and eastern regions of Lebanon.
Israel and Hezbollah have been in conflict since the outbreak of war in the Gaza Strip in October 2023, but violence has escalated to unprecedented levels since 2006.
Two weeks ago, Israeli forces launched a massive bombing campaign that devastated entire towns and villages. EFE
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