Israeli Airstrike Hits Beirut Apartment Building

By Maya Gebeily and Laila Bassam

BEIRUT (Reuters) – An apartment building in Beirut was hit by an Israeli airstrike on Monday, marking the first attack within city limits as hostilities escalated against Iran’s allies in the region.

The strike targeted the upper floor of an apartment building in the Kola district, according to Reuters witnesses. A security source reported that at least two people were killed, though there was no immediate comment from Israel’s military.

Israel has ramped up attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanon and Houthi militias in Yemen, raising fears of a broader Middle Eastern conflict that could involve Iran and the U.S., Israel’s main ally.

On Sunday, Israel launched airstrikes targeting the Houthi militia in Yemen and various Hezbollah positions throughout Lebanon after having earlier killed a Hezbollah leader. The Houthi-run health ministry reported that at least four individuals were killed and 29 injured in strikes on Yemen’s port of Hodeidah, which Israel claims were retaliation for Houthi missile attacks.

In Lebanon, officials stated that Israeli airstrikes killed at least 105 individuals on Sunday alone. Over the past two weeks, Lebanon’s Health Ministry revealed that more than 1,000 Lebanese have died and 6,000 have sustained injuries, without specifying civilian casualties. Approximately one million people, or a fifth of the Lebanese population, have been displaced.

The ongoing bombardment has resulted in the deaths of numerous high-ranking Hezbollah leaders, including the group’s leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. Israel has affirmed its commitment to maintain its offensive until security is restored in its northern regions, which have been threatened by Hezbollah rocket fire.

Israeli drones have been observed over Beirut, with the sounds of airstrikes reverberating across the city. Displaced families have sought refuge on benches at Zaitunay Bay, a popular waterfront venue.

While most attacks have occurred in southern Lebanon, where Hezbollah predominantly operates, Monday’s strike in the Kola district was notable as the first attack within Beirut’s city borders. Residents reported that Syrian refugees fleeing from earlier bombardments had been sleeping under a bridge in the area for days.

The United States has advocated for a diplomatic solution to the conflict but has also authorized military reinforcements in the region. President Joe Biden expressed hope that all-out war in the Middle East could be avoided and mentioned plans to discuss the situation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.