Israeli airstrike targets central Beirut amid intensified offensive against Hezbollah

An Israeli airstrike struck central Beirut early morning of Nov 23, targeting areas linked to the Iran-backed Hezbollah group, security officials said.

The attack, which occurred around 4 a.m. local time (0200 GMT), shook the Lebanese capital with a series of powerful explosions, leaving significant destruction in its wake and marking a sharp escalation in Israel's ongoing offensive against the militant group.

Eyewitnesses reported several loud explosions, with at least four rockets unleashed during the attack.

Emergency response teams were quickly dispatched to the Basta neighborhood, where ambulances navigated through chaotic scenes to reach the affected areas.

Lebanese broadcaster Al Jadeed aired footage showing significant structural damage, including a completely destroyed building surrounded by others bearing heavy impact.

This marks the fourth airstrike by Israel on central Beirut in the past week. Earlier, on Nov 17, an Israeli raid targeted the Ras al-Nabaa district, killing a senior Hezbollah media official.

Israel's intensified military operations in Lebanon began in September, following a year of escalating cross-border tensions sparked by the conflict in Gaza.

The offensive has involved widespread airstrikes across Lebanon and the deployment of ground forces in the south.

The conflict traces back to October 7, 2023, when Hezbollah launched attacks in solidarity with Hamas following the latter's assault on southern Israel.

These developments have further inflamed hostilities in the region, exacerbating the already volatile situation.