Death toll from Israeli strike on Beirut rises to 37, Lebanon’s health ministry says

The death toll from an Israeli airstrike on Beirut on Friday has climbed alarmingly, with Lebanese authorities reporting that among the deceased were several children and women. Rescue operations continued throughout Saturday, with teams sifting through the debris of what once was a high-rise building in Dahieh, a Hezbollah-dominated area in southern Beirut, after the structure was reduced to rubble alongside other damaged buildings in the vicinity.

Heavy machinery, including excavators, was employed to manage the wreckage, while medical personnel and anxious relatives looked on, hoping for signs of survivors among those still unaccounted for. The strike, which targeted a Hezbollah stronghold, resulted in at least 37 fatalities, including three children, and left 68 individuals injured, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. This incident has not only underscored the ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah but has also tragically impacted civilian life in Beirut.

The recent airstrike on Beirut marked Israel’s third military action on the Lebanese capital within the year, signaling a significant escalation that has heightened concerns about the potential for a broader conflict across the Middle East. Rosemary Di Carlo, a senior UN official, has expressed grave concerns, suggesting that the region is teetering on the brink of a war that could outstrip the scale of devastation previously seen.

Hezbollah, an influential group backed by Iran, acknowledged the demise of Ibrahim Aqil, a high-ranking figure within their elite Radwan forces. Additionally, they confirmed the death of Ahmed Wahbi, another key member of the Radwan unit, in the same attack, underscoring the precision and intent behind the strike.

In response to the incident, Lebanon’s Health Minister, Dr. Firass Abiad, condemned the strike, stating, “This is a clear violation of international humanitarian law.” He emphasized the civilian impact, pointing out, “The tragic reality is that the children and women killed were not combatants; they were innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.”

This event not only underscores the ongoing tensions but also the dire humanitarian implications as civilians increasingly bear the brunt of such military actions.

Israel’s military has issued an update regarding Friday’s strike in southern Lebanon, claiming it successfully targeted and killed a dozen senior commanders from Hezbollah’s elite Radwan force. The operation, described by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as a “precise strike,” occurred in Beirut’s Dahieh suburb, a recognized stronghold for the Iran-backed Hezbollah group. This attack was confirmed to have eliminated key figures during a meeting, highlighting the strategic impact on Hezbollah’s leadership structure. Additionally, posts on X from IDF spokespersons and various sources indicate that among the casualties were top-tier members of Hezbollah’s command, underscoring the severity of the blow to the organization’s hierarchy. This action reflects Israel’s ongoing efforts to counter threats from Hezbollah amidst regional tensions.