Israel attacks central Beirut in escalation of deadly assault on Lebanon

"The latest Israeli strikes on Thursday targeted central Beirut's Bashoura neighbourhood as well as the southern suburbs. The Israeli military also issued a warning to evacuate a building in Zuqaq al-Blat, another area in the city centre. The targeting of central Beirut marks an escalation in a week and a half of intensified Israeli bombing across Lebanon, which has killed at least 687 people and wounded more than 1,500."

"Lebanese authorities said more than 800,000 people have been forcibly displaced due to the violence, which began on March 2 after Hezbollah launched rockets towards Israeli territory following the start of the United States-Israeli war on Iran. The Israeli military has launched a widespread aerial and ground assault against its northern neighbour, describing the offensive as a campaign against Hezbollah."

"The United Nations and humanitarian groups said Lebanese civilians including hundreds of thousands who have sought emergency shelter after being forced out of their homes are bearing the brunt of the escalating conflict. Many of those who were forced to flee southern Lebanon and Beirut's southern suburbs, an area known as Dahiyeh, have been staying in schools-turned-shelters, with relatives or in tents along the waterfront."

Israel conducted new waves of attacks on Beirut, targeting the central Bashoura neighbourhood and southern suburbs, marking an escalation in intensified bombing across Lebanon. The military campaign has killed at least 687 people and wounded over 1,500 according to Lebanese health authorities. More than 800,000 people have been forcibly displaced due to violence that began following Hezbollah's rocket launches toward Israeli territory. The Israeli military describes the offensive as a campaign against Hezbollah, which has responded with rocket strikes including coordination with Iran. Displaced civilians, including hundreds of thousands, are sheltering in schools, with relatives, or in tents. A double-tap strike killed at least 12 people in the seafront area where displaced families were sleeping.

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