Israel launched airstrikes on the Basta area in the center of the Lebanese capital, Beirut, early Saturday.

The Lebanese Civil Defense reported that the bodies of 11 dead and 23 wounded were recovered from under the rubble as a result of the Israeli raid on two buildings in central Beirut.

Reuters quoted security sources as saying that at least 4 missiles were launched in an air strike on central Beirut, as Israel continues its intensive military campaign against Hezbollah.

The attack targeted the Basta neighbourhood in Beirut. Witnesses told Reuters that at least one loud explosion was heard in Beirut.

After clashes with factions in Lebanon, including Hezbollah, which began after it launched a genocidal war on the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023, Israel expanded the scope of its war since September 23 to include most of Lebanon’s regions, including the capital, Beirut.