Israel-Hezbollah conflict: At least four missiles were fired in an airstrike targeting Beirut’s Basta neighborhood early Saturday, as Israel stepped up its military campaign against Hezbollah, multiple media reports said. Confirmed.

The attack resulted in a violent explosion, witnesses reported in the Lebanese capital. The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which started a year ago, has intensified since then. Hezbollah fired rockets at northern Israel. In support of Hamas at the start of the Gaza war.

Recently, the conflict has intensified with Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon, the southern suburbs of Beirut and the Bekaa Valley, where several top Hezbollah leaders have been killed. In response, Hezbollah fired rockets deep into Israel.

The ongoing violence reflects rising tensions in the region, with Israel using both air and ground forces along the border while Hezbollah retaliates with rocket attacks. The situation remains volatile as both sides continue their military operations.

Lebanon’s National News Agency said an eight-story building was destroyed in the attack. Footage broadcast from Lebanon’s Al-Jadeed station showed at least one destroyed building and several others around it badly damaged.

The explosions rocked the capital around 4 a.m. (0200 GMT), witnesses said. Reuters. At least four bombs were dropped in the attack, security officials said.

He marked the fourth. This week, an Israeli airstrike targeted a central area of ​​Beirut.While most of Israel’s attacks have targeted the southern suburbs controlled by Hezbollah. On Sunday, an Israeli airstrike killed a Hezbollah media official in the Ras al-Naba district of central Beirut.

Israel launched a major offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon in September, after nearly a year of cross-border hostilities. The Gaza war is targeting large areas of Lebanon with airstrikes. And sending troops to the south.

The conflict began when Hezbollah opened fire in solidarity with its Palestinian ally Hamas following an attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023.

A US mediator traveled to Lebanon and Israel this week in an effort to secure a ceasefire. The envoy, Amos Hochstein, indicated that progress had been made following meetings in Beirut on Tuesday and Wednesday before the meeting. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz.

(with input from Reuters)