Sat Nov 23 20:29:55 UTC 2024: ## Beirut Airstrikes Kill at Least 20 Amidst Escalating Hezbollah-Israel Conflict
**Beirut, Lebanon –** Israeli airstrikes in central Beirut on Saturday killed at least 20 people and wounded 66, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. The attacks, the fourth in the capital in less than a week, targeted a residential area, destroying an eight-story building and damaging surrounding structures. Hezbollah legislator Amin Shiri confirmed that no Hezbollah officials were present at the time of the strikes.
The escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has resulted in over 3,500 deaths in Lebanon and the displacement of approximately 1.2 million people—a quarter of the country’s population. Israel has also suffered significant losses, with approximately 90 soldiers and nearly 50 civilians killed.
These latest attacks come as U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein works to broker a cease-fire following months of intense fighting. Despite the ongoing diplomatic efforts, the Israeli military has yet to comment on the casualty figures from Saturday’s strikes. First responders described the scene as challenging due to the densely populated area. The situation remains extremely volatile.
First Piper 