Sat Nov 23 07:53:12 UTC 2024: **Israeli Airstrike Kills 11 in Beirut, Flattening Residential Building**

BEIRUT – An Israeli airstrike on Saturday morning devastated an eight-story residential building in Beirut’s Basta neighborhood, killing at least 11 people and injuring 63, according to Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health. Five missiles flattened the building in a densely populated area, causing extensive damage to surrounding structures. The attack, which occurred around 4:00 AM local time, is the latest in a series of Israeli strikes targeting Beirut this week, with previous attacks focusing on southern suburbs considered Hezbollah strongholds.

The Ministry of Public Health reported that the grim task of identifying body parts is ongoing, with DNA testing required to confirm the total death toll. Rescue crews and volunteers worked tirelessly to search for survivors amidst the rubble. Al Jazeera reported that the strikes were powerful and involved multiple missiles designed for deep penetration, with no prior warning given.

This attack follows the killing of Hezbollah spokesman Mohammad Afif in a separate Israeli airstrike earlier this week, and the destruction of an 11-story building in southern Beirut last Friday. The Israeli military has issued forced displacement orders for residents in several southern Beirut suburbs, citing the proximity of Hezbollah facilities. While Israel sometimes issues warnings before attacks, many orders are given with little or no notice, often during nighttime hours.

The ongoing conflict, which began in October, has resulted in a staggering death toll. The Ministry of Public Health reported five healthcare workers killed in Friday’s attacks, bringing the total number of health workers and patients killed in Lebanon since the conflict began to 226, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Overall, Israeli attacks in Lebanon have claimed the lives of at least 3,645 people and injured 15,355. The situation remains critical, with rescue efforts continuing and the death toll expected to rise.

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