Bloodshed in Beirut: Israeli Airstrike Leaves Dozens Dead

An Israeli airstrike on Beirut's southern suburbs killed at least 37 people and injured over 60, including women and children. Hezbollah confirmed the loss of two top commanders. The attack has escalated tensions in Lebanon, with fears of further violence on the horizon.

At least 37 people, including three children and seven women, were killed in an Israeli airstrike on Beirut's southern suburbs, reported AL Jazeera, citing Lebanon's health minister. The strike, which occurred during Friday's rush hour, targeted two buildings in the Lebanese capital's Dahiya district, leaving over 60 injured and 17 still trapped under rubble, according to Health Minister Firass Abiad.

Minister of Public Works and Transport Ali Hamieh labeled the bombing of the residential building as a 'war crime,' accusing Israel of 'dragging the region into a war.' Israel's military stated the airstrike was aimed at senior members of Hezbollah's elite Radwan Forces. An Israeli military spokesperson confirmed the death of 'at least 16 Hezbollah militants' in the attack.

Hezbollah announced that two top commanders, Ibrahim Aqil and Ahmad Mahmoud Wahabi, were among the 14 members killed. This follows the July assassination of the group's top military commander, Fuad Shukr, by an Israeli airstrike.

Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi declared that Lebanon had entered a 'decisive' phase, urging all efforts to prevent further violations and deterioration of the security situation. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned Israel for 'shameless crimes' against civilians and called for unified action among Muslims to remove the 'malignant cancerous tumor' from Palestine.

Following a series of deadly incidents, tensions in Lebanon have surged, with dozens dead and thousands injured. Explosions on Tuesday and Wednesday killed 39 people and wounded nearly 3,000, with the Lebanese government holding Israel responsible. On Saturday, the Israeli military continued to target Hezbollah positions in northern Lebanon, as Israeli media reported around 80 raids, while Hezbollah retaliated with 45 rockets targeting northern Israel. According to Al Jazeera, the escalation marks the most intense exchange since the cross-border conflict reignited on October 8.

(With inputs from agencies.)