Devastating Israeli Airstrikes Decimate Beirut Neighborhoods
Shocking reports from Beirut as multiple Israeli airstrikes have destroyed buildings and infrastructure, leaving the city in ruins. Casualties and damage are still being assessed.
Beirut, Lebanon - A wave of Israeli airstrikes has devastated several central neighborhoods in Beirut, with buildings reduced to rubble and civilian casualties still being counted. The attack, which appears to be the most severe Israeli military action against Lebanon in years, has left the Lebanese capital in a state of emergency.
Eyewitnesses on the ground report hearing a series of massive explosions that shook the city, with plumes of smoke billowing from damaged structures. Lebanese authorities have confirmed multiple strikes hitting residential and commercial areas, sparking fires and causing widespread destruction.
"It was absolute chaos," said Nadia Oweidat, a resident of the affected Gemmayze district. "One minute we were going about our day, and the next, the building next door was reduced to rubble. There are bodies in the streets and people screaming for help."
The Israeli military has not officially claimed responsibility for the attacks, but regional analysts believe the strikes were likely carried out in response to Hezbollah activity or the group's weapons stockpiles in Lebanon. Hezbollah, a powerful Shia political and militant organization, is a long-standing adversary of Israel.
Lebanese officials have condemned the attacks as a blatant violation of their country's sovereignty and have called for an immediate UN investigation. Prime Minister Hassan Diab has declared a national day of mourning and vowed to hold those responsible accountable.
The full extent of the damage and casualties remains unclear, as rescue efforts are still ongoing. Medical facilities in Beirut are reported to be overwhelmed, with many injured residents in need of urgent care.
The Israeli-Lebanese conflict has a long and complex history, with periodic outbreaks of violence and military strikes. This latest escalation has sparked outrage and calls for restraint from the international community, as the Lebanese people grapple with the aftermath of this devastating attack.
Source: Al Jazeera
