Israeli strike hits apartment building in central Beirut

A building in Beirut was destroyed by five Israeli missiles, killing 11 and injuring 63, according to Lebanese authorities. The attack occurred in the Basta area, and DNA testing will be necessary to identify more victims. Rescue teams are currently searching through rubble for casualties. Civilian casualties are not specified, but surrounding buildings also sustained damage. This is the fourth Israeli airstrike in central Beirut this week, with previous attacks mostly targeting Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs. Israel began a major offensive against Hezbollah last September, escalating a year-long hostility due to the Gaza conflict. Since then, weekly attacks have occurred between the two groups. Over 3600 people have died in Lebanon since October 2023, but the number of civilian deaths has not been disclosed.