Israel Attacks Beirut, Killing at Least 12 as War with Hezbollah Escalates

Israeli airstrikes on central Beirut have killed at least 12 people and injured 27 others.

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Al Jazeera

The attacks targeted densely populated neighborhoods including Zuqaq al-Blat and Basta.

Al Jazeera

Strikes occurred both with and without prior warning to civilian populations.

The Lebanese Health Ministry reported rising casualties throughout the day.

Additional strikes in the Bekaa Valley brought the total death toll to at least 20 nationwide.

These attacks represent Israel's widening military campaign beyond traditional Hezbollah strongholds.

Israel's military has justified the strikes as targeting Hezbollah infrastructure.

This includes weapons depots, operational headquarters, and financial institutions.

BBC

Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee stated operations were launched in response to Hezbollah rocket attacks.

The military claims to have disrupted Hezbollah's capabilities by targeting launch sites.

They also targeted the Al-Qard Al-Hassan Association (Hezbollah's financial arm) and the Imam Hussein Brigade headquarters.

Israel has expanded forced displacement orders to cover 1,470 square kilometers (14% of Lebanon).

Civilians in Beirut have described the attacks as terrifying and disruptive.

“Sara Saleh and her family fled wearing their pyjamas on Wednesday when Israel’s military said it would strike a central Beirut building near the school-turned-shelter where they had been staying”

Digital Journal

Many families fled their homes in panic when evacuation warnings were issued.

Sara Saleh, 29, recounted fleeing her shelter wearing pajamas at 4:00 AM.

The strikes have caused widespread destruction including building collapses.

Civil defense rescuers have been among casualties, with one killed in Saida.

Children are experiencing panic attacks and residents describe explosions as making 'all of Beirut shake.'

The escalation represents a widening of Israeli military operations beyond Hezbollah's traditional strongholds.

Israel has expanded targeting to central Beirut districts with varying warning patterns.

DW

Some strikes occur with prior warnings while others appear to be targeted assassinations.

Israel is systematically attacking financial institutions and businesses linked to Hezbollah.

This phase began February 28 when Israel and US attacked Iran, triggering Iranian retaliation.

Hezbollah entered the conflict in response, leading to regional war spreading across multiple countries.

The Israeli military campaign has created a severe humanitarian crisis in Lebanon.

“People rush to the site of the Israeli airstrike that targeted a building in the Bashoura district of Beirut on March 18, 2026”

L'Orient Today

Thousands of civilians have been displaced and forced to flee multiple times.

Middle East Eye

The Norwegian Refugee Council reports evacuation orders cover 1,470+ square kilometers.

Orders affect civilian populations across southern and central regions.

Displaced civilians shelter in schools and public buildings that become targets.

Destruction and displacement have led to widespread fear and uncertainty.

Locals describe conditions as resembling those seen in Gaza during previous conflicts.