Israeli Airstrikes Kill 22 in Central Beirut

Israeli airstrikes on central Beirut late Thursday resulted in at least 22 deaths and over 100 injuries, marking the deadliest assault in the area in more than a year. The strikes targeted residential buildings where displaced civilians had sought refuge, leading to significant destruction and chaos as rescue workers searched for survivors amidst the rubble. Hezbollah claimed the strikes aimed to eliminate a top security official, Wafiq Safa, who was reportedly not present during the attack. In response, Hezbollah has intensified rocket fire into Israel, which has led to casualties, including a Thai national killed by an anti-tank missile. The Israeli military has not confirmed the specifics of the airstrikes, which coincide with ongoing military actions against Hezbollah along the border. Residents expressed confusion and fear as sonic booms from Israeli jets increased anxiety about further attacks.