Intensified Clashes in Beirut: Airstrikes and Counterattacks Escalate Tensions

On Wednesday, Israel escalated its airstrikes across central Beirut, resulting in the deaths of at least 10 people and the destruction of a high-rise building, according to Lebanese officials. The strikes rocked the city as Israel continued its military campaign against Hezbollah, intensifying a three-week-old conflict.

Late Tuesday, Hezbollah retaliated by unleashing a significant barrage of rockets, artillery, and drones into Israeli territory, marking one of the heaviest attacks by the group during this conflict. According to Lebanese security sources, up to 100 rockets were initially fired.

Among the targets hit was a financial institution linked to Hezbollah, illustrating the conflict's expansion beyond military exchanges. The attacks severely damaged several residential areas close to downtown Beirut, heightening fears of further escalation in the volatile region.