Israel intensified airstrikes in Beirut on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of at least 10 individuals and the destruction of a 10-story building near the city center in the third week of the conflict with Hezbollah, according to Lebanese officials. Additionally, two people lost their lives in an airstrike in Lebanon’s western Bekaa Valley. Israeli warplanes also targeted bridges over the Litani River that connect southern Lebanon to the rest of the country, destroying a minimum of two bridges, as reported by Lebanese state media.
The Israeli military stated that the airstrikes on the Litani River bridges were aimed at impeding Hezbollah from moving fighters and weapons, urging residents to evacuate the southern region. The ongoing Hezbollah-Israel conflict has become the most fatal repercussion of the U.S.-Israeli confrontation with Iran since the Iran-backed group supported Tehran by firing at Israel on March 2.
The death toll from Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon rose to 968 on Wednesday, up from 912 the previous day, as confirmed by Lebanon’s Health Ministry. Among the casualties are 116 children and 77 women, with over one million people displaced in Lebanon due to the conflict. The airstrikes continued throughout the night and into the morning, illuminating the sky over the Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs of Beirut, which have been heavily targeted by Israel.
The escalation in central Beirut saw Israel targeting four buildings in an eight-hour timeframe, following a significant rocket attack against Israel by Hezbollah late on Tuesday. Lebanese security sources reported around 100 rockets being launched. The Israeli military claimed that preemptive strikes had thwarted the Hezbollah attack and had completed a series of overnight strikes targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in Lebanon.
The airstrikes in Beirut struck buildings close to the rebuilt downtown area after the civil war from 1975 to 1990 and the Lebanese government headquarters. These districts are known for their diverse population, with a significant presence of Shia Muslims and political influence from Hezbollah and its ally, the Amal Movement. Hezbollah’s al-Manar TV reported the death of one of its broadcasters, Mohammad Sherri, and his wife in an airstrike in Beirut.
Israel disclosed that it targeted a Hezbollah-run financial institution, Al-Qard Al-Hassan, in Beirut, and its navy also took action against Hezbollah militants in the city. There were no specific locations provided by the Israeli military. A resident of Beirut, Abu Khalil, assisted people in evacuating their homes in the Bachoura district after Israel issued a warning on social media about its intention to target the 10-story building before demolishing it with a strike.
Multiple strikes hit various districts in Beirut, causing destruction to buildings and infrastructure. The Israeli military’s use of social media to issue warnings ahead of some strikes was noted, while deadly attacks also occurred without prior notice. No Israeli fatalities were reported from Hezbollah’s attacks, but two Israeli soldiers lost their lives in southern Lebanon during a ground offensive.
In southern and eastern Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes targeted several locations, resulting in casualties and significant damage. The state media reported that a petrol station was hit in southern Lebanon, and a town council member was killed. Moreover, four individuals perished in an airstrike in Baalbeck, and ten lost their lives in separate airstrikes across southern Lebanon, according to the Health Ministry.