In one of the deadliest attacks since recent hostilities began, Israeli airstrikes on central Beirut ****ed 22 people, including a family of eight, and wounded 117. The strikes hit a densely populated residential area that had not been previously targeted, with Hezbollah official Wafiq Safa reportedly surviving the attack. Israel had earlier warned civilians to evacuate southern Beirut and Lebanon’s south.

These strikes come amid growing concerns for over 10,400 UN peacekeepers stationed in southern Lebanon. The UN reports that Israeli forces deliberately fired on a UNIFIL base, injuring two peacekeepers. The situation has forced UNIFIL to relocate 300 personnel for safety, with the peacekeeping mission severely restricted since Israel's escalation against Hezbollah.

The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has intensified since Hezbollah opened fire in support of Hamas during the Gaza war a year ago. As Israeli ground forces move into Lebanon, and the possibility of Iranian retaliation looms after an October missile strike, the region remains on high alert for further escalation.

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