Still in shock, Beirut tries to heal after deadly Israeli attacks
Still in shock, Beirut tries to heal after deadly Israeli attacks
Wednesday marked one of the most catastrophic days in Lebanon’s recent past, as Israeli air raids unleashed chaos and devastation across the nation, mere hours after a ceasefire was declared in Iran. The strikes, launched without prior warning, targeted densely populated areas, leaving over 300 fatalities, with a third being women, children, and the elderly, as reported by the Lebanese health ministry.
Unprecedented Targeting of Safe Zones
Several strikes hit bustling, densely packed neighborhoods. These regions, previously untouched by attacks, had become sanctuaries for civilians. Israel claimed the strikes were aimed at Hezbollah-linked targets, stating more than 100 air attacks occurred within a 10-minute window.
“A wave of strikes” began shortly after southern Lebanon residents were ordered to evacuate their homes immediately, according to the Israeli military.
Residents in the Eye of the Storm
BBC Middle East correspondent Hugo Bachega spoke to Beirut residents still reeling from the violence. Meanwhile, in southern Israel, BBC correspondent Sebastian Usher reported from Dimona, where an Iranian missile strike caused disruption. Russian state broadcaster RT footage shows correspondent Steve Sweeney taking cover as a missile impacted.
Verifying the Evidence
BBC Verify’s Ben Chu analyzed the Royal Navy’s potential role in safeguarding the Strait of Hormuz. The organization also confirmed a video of an oil depot fire in Iran, capturing the destruction of a building early Sunday. Social media clips displayed smoke rising above the city skyline, while a verified drone crash near the airport was filmed by a witness.
Impact on Trade and Displacement
Displaced Palestinians secured their tents as a storm swept through the enclave. Dan Johnson gathered accounts from Iranians at a border crossing, reflecting on the war’s toll. The US-Israeli offensive, which began on 27 February, disrupted maritime traffic in the Gulf, affecting the Middle East’s largest port. Trade through the Strait of Hormuz has faced significant setbacks since Iran imposed a blockade.
Global Reactions
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper defended the UK’s approach to the conflict, countering President Trump’s criticism. Residents in Dahieh, a Beirut suburb, fled their homes amid ongoing Israeli bombardments. Unrest in the region is expected to influence global living costs, as examined by BBC correspondent Nick Marsh.
Explosions rocked Beirut’s capital overnight, damaging its busiest airport. The aftermath continues to test the city’s resilience, with efforts focused on recovery and rebuilding in the wake of the attacks.
