Lebanon death toll rises to 2,196, 'Israel' strikes buildings in Zahle
Israeli occupation airstrikes have escalated in Lebanon, targeting residential areas in the Bekaa Valley, southern Lebanon, and, for the first time, Beirut's densely populated neighborhoods.
The Israeli occupation forces have committed a massacre by targeting residential buildings in the al-Karak area of Zahle District, leading to a number of casualties. The bombardment campaign also extended to other areas in the Bekaa Valley and South Lebanon.
The Lebanese Ministry of Health reported that the death toll from the Israeli occupation's aggression on Lebanon has reached 2,169, with 10,212 wounded since October 8, 2023.
This death toll excludes the number of martyrs in the Israeli strikes on residential buildings in central Beirut.
Meanwhile, Al Mayadeen's correspondent in Bekaa confirmed on Thursday that nine people were killed and 15 others were injured in the Israeli strike on residential buildings in al-Karak, Zahle. Additionally, an Israeli airstrike targeted the town of Riyaq in central Bekaa.
The correspondent further reported that another Israeli airstrike hit the town of Hosh al-Sayyed, north of the Hermel district near the Syrian border.
In the southern region, Israeli occupation forces conducted airstrikes on the towns of Jbal al-Butm, Debbeen, Zawtar al-Gharbiya, and Ayta al-Shaab.
'Israel' attacks central Beirut
Later in the night, an Israeli occupation airstrike struck a building between the densely populated areas of Ras al-Nabaa and al-Nuwairi in the heart of Lebanon’s capital, Beirut. According to Al Mayadeen's correspondent, the airstrike targeted the third floor of an eight-story building, leading to multiple injuries, with many still trapped inside.
Ambulances rushed to the scene as fires raged and thick smoke billowed from the targeted building.
Shortly after the initial strike, Israeli occupation forces launched a second airstrike targeting the nearby Basta neighborhood, just meters from the first location. This raid struck a four-story building, which collapsed completely, according to reports from the scene.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent confirmed that both strikes resulted in multiple casualties as many people remained trapped beneath the rubble. As such, the Lebanese Civil Defense teams continue their search and rescue efforts.
The Lebanese Ministry of Health reported that 18 were martyred and 92 were injured in the Israeli attacks on Beirut
The attacks mark a significant escalation as they directly target densely populated areas of Beirut, highlighting the intensity of the Israeli aggression on the country.
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