Escalation: Israel's Lethal Airstrikes in Lebanon and Gaza

Israel's recent airstrikes in Beirut and Gaza have claimed numerous lives, including key figures like Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. While Israel asserts its targets are militants, civilian casualties continue to rise. Lebanon's health ministry reported over 1,030 deaths, with France sending aid amidst escalating violence.

An apparent Israeli airstrike on central Beirut has leveled an apartment building. This follows a series of strikes across Lebanon that killed dozens, including Hezbollah's leader Hassan Nasrallah.

The early Monday strike — the first on central Beirut in nearly a year — hit a residential building, causing significant civilian casualties, according to an AP journalist on the scene.

In Gaza, a separate Israeli airstrike killed a family of four, as Palestinian officials reported. Violence has escalated following an October 7 attack by Hamas militants in southern Israel, leading to widespread death and destruction.

(With inputs from agencies.)