Israeli Airstrikes on Central Beirut Kill 20 Amid Ceasefire Calls

Israeli airstrikes on central Beirut on Saturday resulted in the deaths of at least 20 people and left 66 others injured, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. This latest round of attacks is the fourth to hit the Lebanese capital’s central district in less than a week, escalating the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

The airstrikes, which struck without warning, have raised alarm over the safety of civilians in one of the region’s most densely populated areas. Lebanon’s death toll has now surpassed 3,500, with over 1.2 million displaced, nearly a quarter of the nation’s population. On the Israeli side, around 90 soldiers and nearly 50 civilians have died, mainly from bombings in the country’s northern regions.

The violence continues despite diplomatic efforts by U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein, who is working to negotiate a ceasefire after months of escalating tensions. However, heavy casualties and a growing humanitarian crisis show little sign of easing.

A Lebanese government spokesperson condemned the strikes, calling the targeting of civilians a violation of international law. Meanwhile, Israel’s military defended the airstrikes, stating they were part of operations aimed at neutralizing Hezbollah’s military infrastructure.

The airstrikes targeted an eight-story building in central Beirut early Saturday, causing significant damage. Hezbollah legislator Amin Shiri confirmed that no group officials were inside the building at the time. The strike also caused extensive damage to nearby buildings and vehicles.

In a separate attack, a drone strike in the southern Lebanese port city of Tyre killed two people and injured three others. The victims, Palestinian refugees from the al-Rashidieh camp, had been fishing at the time of the strike.

Additionally, airstrikes in other areas of Lebanon, including Shmustar, Roumin, and Budai, resulted in further civilian casualties, including children.

As diplomatic efforts to reach a ceasefire continue, key sticking points remain. A proposed deal includes a two-month ceasefire, Israeli troop withdrawal, and the deployment of Lebanese troops and U.N. peacekeepers along the border, with an international committee to monitor compliance. However, disagreements persist over the details of the agreement.