Israeli airstrikes intensify on Beirut’s southern suburbs: four killed, including a child

Shafaq News/ Israeli warplanes launched a series of intense airstrikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut on Monday evening, hitting several areas over several hours.

According to Lebanese media, the strikes were aimed at Burj al-Barajneh, Jamus, Harat Hreik, Hadat, Jnah and Ouzai. As a result of more than 16 airstrikes, explosions were heard even in the surrounding mountainous areas.

The deadliest strike took place near the Rafik Hariri government hospital in Beirut’s Jna neighborhood, where Lebanon’s health ministry said four civilians, including a child, were killed and at least 24 others were wounded. The attack also caused significant damage to hospital premises.

For the first time, Israeli airstrikes also targeted Ouzai, located about 200 meters from Beirut International Airport. Al-Mayadeen News reported that the Middle East Airlines flight was forced to land on a secondary runway due to the proximity of the impact sites.

In response, an Israeli military spokesman released an illustration showing what they claimed was a tunnel running under Al Sahel Hospital in the southern suburbs of Beirut, allegedly used by Hezbollah to store millions of dollars and gold.

However, Fadi Alameh, director of Al Sahel Hospital, denied these claims, confirming: “Al Sahel is a private hospital and is not affiliated with any political party. Reports of occupation are simply a fabrication and an attempt to undermine Lebanon’s health sector.”