Israeli airstrikes targeted a densely populated residential area in central Beirut killing 22 people, including a family of eight who had evacuated from the south, and injuring over 100, according to Lebanese authorities, Reuters reports.
Additionally, two UN peacekeepers were injured after an Israeli tank fired at a UN watchtower at their headquarters in Nqaoura, southern Lebanon. The safety of over 10,400 UN peacekeepers in Lebanon is increasingly at risk due to the escalating conflict.
Israel reportedly killed Muhammad Abdullah, the head of the Islamic Jihad’s network in the Palestinian refugee camp of Nur Shams in the West Bank, in a strike near Tulkarm. Meanwhile, senior Hezbollah official Wafiq Safa narrowly survived an Israeli assassination attempt.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which escalated a year ago, has intensified in recent weeks, with Israel targeting Hezbollah strongholds and leaders. Israel’s military campaign has reportedly resulted in at least 2,169 deaths in Lebanon. Both Lebanese authorities and Hezbollah support a ceasefire, but diplomatic efforts appear stalled amid ongoing military operations.
