Lebanese authorities reported over 55 fatalities following Israeli airstrikes across the country Saturday, with central Beirut witnessing some of the deadliest attacks in years. The strikes triggered panic and devastation, collapsing buildings and shaking entire neighborhoods. 🌆💔
A residential building in Beirut’s Basta neighborhood was destroyed, killing at least 20 people and injuring 66 others. Witnesses described scenes of chaos, with one resident, Samir, recalling: \"We saw two dead people on the ground… The children started crying and their mother cried even more.\"
Israel stated it targeted Hezbollah facilities in southern Beirut’s Dahieh area, claiming strikes on \"dozens of command centers\" and weapons sites. A Lebanese security source suggested a Hezbollah official was targeted in central Beirut, though the group denied the claim. Meanwhile, strikes in eastern Lebanon and the south killed 24 and 14 people respectively, including casualties in Hezbollah strongholds like Shmostar and Tyre. 🏚️⚠️
The escalation marks one of the deadliest weeks in cross-border tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, raising fears of a broader regional conflict. Analysts warn the strikes outside traditional Hezbollah zones could signal shifting tactics. 🔥
