An Israeli airstrike on a residential building in central Beirut resulted in at least 11 fatalities, as reported by the Lebanese Health Ministry. This strike is part of an escalating Israeli military campaign aimed at pressuring Hezbollah into a cease-fire agreement.
The attack targeted a prominent Hezbollah military commander, Mohammad Haidar, according to three unnamed Israeli defense officials. However, Hezbollah representatives stated that no leaders were present at the location, and later reports indicated that Haidar was not killed.
In the preceding week, Israeli ground troops advanced further into southern Lebanon, while intensifying airstrikes on the Dahiya neighborhoods, which are largely controlled by Hezbollah. The Health Ministry reported that the death toll from the latest airstrike could increase, with at least 63 individuals injured. The strike occurred shortly after 4 a.m., awakening residents with loud explosions and enveloping the city in smoke.
The airstrike targeted a multistory building in the Basta neighborhood, which is home to both Sunni and Shiite Muslims and is located near several Western embassies. Lebanon's health minister, Firass Abiad, noted that the building was believed to house approximately 35 residents. Shiite communities in southern and eastern Lebanon have been significantly affected by Israeli attacks in recent months.
Abiad commented, “There was no prior warning,” and expressed concern that there may still be casualties trapped under the debris. As rescue workers and onlookers gathered at the site, residents expressed anguish over missing relatives.
The building was previously affected by another Israeli strike intended to target a senior Hezbollah official. Local resident Zainab Rummu described the prior attack as apocalyptic, having forced residents to repair their homes. She lamented the renewed danger, stating, “We thought it was over. No more danger. Now where can I go?”
On the same day, Israel issued new evacuation warnings for the Dahiya region. This surge in attacks coincided with the ongoing negotiations between Israel and Hezbollah, which were reportedly moving towards a cease-fire agreement.
An Israeli official expressed “cautious optimism” regarding the truce negotiations mediated by the United States, while Lebanese officials remained less optimistic. Both sides have indicated their intent to continue fighting during the negotiation process.
Heavy clashes were reported overnight in the town of Khiam, which the Israeli military has been trying to encircle. Hezbollah has claimed to have launched multiple attacks against Israeli forces in the region.
Israel initiated an intensified military campaign against Hezbollah in September as a response to ongoing rocket attacks on northern Israel, which Hezbollah stated were in support of Hamas in Gaza. Both groups receive backing from Iran.
Israel aims to stop the rocket attacks and enable thousands of displaced Israelis to return to their homes in northern towns. However, rocket fire has persisted, preventing residents from returning. This conflict has become the deadliest in Lebanon since the civil war that ended in 1990.