Israel launched a large wave of airstrikes on Beirut early on Friday morning, hitting neighbourhoods in the southern suburb known as Dahiyeh and marking the first time in nearly a week the capital city has been hit.
The areas of Ghobeiry, Kafaat, Sayyed Hadi highway and near the old airport road were among those struck by air strikes that sparked large fires, according to Lebanese state media National News Agency.
The Israeli army Arabic spokesperson issued an evacuation order for three neighbourhoods at around 01:30 am local time when most residents would be sleeping.
It comes as Lebanon’s health ministry said that three people were killed and five others injured in an Israeli attack on the town of Qamatiyeh in Mount Lebanon district overnight on Thursday. Raids were also reported in Bint Jbeil, Nabatiyeh, Wadi Jilou and Tayri in southern Lebanon.
Gaza also suffered a heavy night of attacks with reports of dozens killed in Israeli strikes in central towns, including in Deir al-Balah, Nuseirat camp and al-Zawayda were hit by the strikes.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said there had been “good progress” during his recent meetings in the region but cautioned that there remains work to be done for a ceasefire deal.
