An Israeli airstrike early Saturday destroyed an eight-storey residential building in central Beirut, killing at least 11 people and injuring 63 others, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.
The airstrike, which hit the working-class Basta neighbourhood, caused panic across the capital as its impact shook surrounding buildings.
Rescue efforts were underway on Saturday morning, with emergency workers and heavy machinery clearing rubble at the site.
“”The strike was so strong it felt like the building was about to fall on our heads,” said Samir, a 60-year-old resident living opposite the destroyed structure. He described fleeing his home with his family and witnessing casualties as they sought safety.
Lebanon’s health ministry reported that the attack also left behind “a large amount of body parts” that require DNA testing for identification.
The state-run National News Agency stated that Israeli jets fired six missiles, causing extensive damage to nearby buildings.
The attack was not preceded by an evacuation warning from the Israeli military, a measure often taken during strikes.
While Israel has not commented on the strike, a Lebanese security source, speaking anonymously, suggested the target may have been a senior Hezbollah figure. However, the source could not confirm if the individual was killed, and Hezbollah has yet to address the incident.
The Basta strike came alongside other attacks in Beirut’s southern suburbs, areas typically associated with Hezbollah activities.
Following Israeli military calls for residents to evacuate, tensions in the city have heightened.
This escalation adds to an already volatile situation in Lebanon, where Israeli air strikes have intensified in recent weeks.
