Israel kills at least 12 in Beirut strikes; journalist and his wife among the dead

Israeli airstrikes targeted central Beirut early Wednesday, resulting in at least twelve casualties.

“Israel intensified airstrikes in central Beirut on Wednesday (the 18th), killing at least ten people and destroying a ten-story building, Lebanese authorities said, in the third week of Tel Aviv's war against Hezbollah”

Folha de S.Paulo

Lebanon's official National News Agency reported that two strikes hit an apartment in the Zoqaq al-Blat neighborhood.

Folha de S.Paulo

Lebanese authorities confirmed that four separate airstrikes occurred over an eight-hour period.

The strikes destroyed a ten-story building and affected multiple districts.

The Israeli military claimed it was targeting Hezbollah assets, specifically mentioning the financial firm Al-Qard Al-Hassan.

The Israeli military did not provide specific location details for its operations.

Among the casualties was Mohammad Sherri, the director of political programs at Hezbollah's Al-Manar television channel.

Sherri was killed alongside his wife in the Zoqaq al-Blat strike.

Naharnet

According to Al-Manar TV, Sherri's children and grandchildren were also wounded in the attack.

The wounded family members required hospitalization.

The Lebanese news agency confirmed Sherri's death.

The attack occurred near a previous Israeli strike on a Hezbollah-linked financial firm.

The Israeli military operations represent the third week of Tel Aviv's war against Hezbollah.

“Israel intensified airstrikes in central Beirut on Wednesday (the 18th), killing at least ten people and destroying a ten-story building, Lebanese authorities said, in the third week of Tel Aviv's war against Hezbollah”

Folha de S.Paulo

This escalation occurs amid broader Middle East conflicts.

Hezbollah is part of Iran's 'Axis of Resistance' promoted since the 1980s.

This network comprises armed groups hostile to Israel.

The conflict intensified after Hezbollah attacked Israel in retaliation for US and Israeli operations against Iran.

Israel responded with comprehensive airstrikes targeting multiple regions of Lebanon.

Limited ground operations were conducted in Hezbollah's southern strongholds.

Israeli airstrikes on Lebanese territory have resulted in devastating humanitarian consequences.

At least 912 people have been killed including 111 children, according to Lebanese authorities.

Naharnet

More than one million people have been displaced, representing nearly 20% of Lebanon's population.

UNICEF's deputy executive director reported the equivalent of a classroom full of children killed or harmed daily.

Lebanese Ministry of Health data shows 111 children killed and 334 wounded since March 2.

This averages nearly 30 children per day affected by the conflict.

The strikes occurred with varying levels of warning to civilians.

“Israel intensified airstrikes in central Beirut on Wednesday (the 18th), killing at least ten people and destroying a ten-story building, Lebanese authorities said, in the third week of Tel Aviv's war against Hezbollah”

Folha de S.Paulo

This created chaos and fear among Beirut residents.

Folha de S.Paulo

In the Bashura district, where warnings had been issued, residents had preparation time.

Their building was subsequently struck and reduced to rubble.

However, attacks on neighboring districts came without warning.

Sarah Saleh, a 29-year-old resident, described fleeing in her pajamas at 4 AM.

She sought refuge in a city center square after being awakened by the strikes.

Such accounts illustrate the indiscriminate nature of the attacks.