Beirut, Lebanon — In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, an Israeli airstrike leveled a ten-storey residential building in the Chiyah-Ghobeiry area of southern Beirut on Tuesday, October 22. Footage of the incident, which quickly circulated on social media, captured the building collapsing into rubble in mere seconds, sending a thick cloud of dust into the air and leaving nearby residents in shock. The destruction occurred shortly after the Israeli army issued an evacuation order for residents of four buildings across three neighborhoods in the area, citing proximity to "facilities and interests belonging to Hezbollah."
Israeli spokesperson Avichai Adraee made the announcement via a post on X, urging residents to move at least 500 meters away from their homes. "The Israeli army will act against them in the near future," he warned. The targeted building was situated in a densely populated area, directly across from a large park that has recently become a refuge for many families displaced by ongoing violence in the region. The park, once a communal space, now stands as a temporary shelter for those fleeing the devastation.
The airstrike marks a continuation of Israel’s intensive military campaign in Lebanon, which has transformed into a Gaza-like situation for many residents. Reports indicate that the conflict has led to significant casualties, with Lebanese health authorities stating that since October 8, 2022, Israeli strikes have resulted in over 11,860 injuries and at least 2,546 deaths. As the situation unfolds, concerns grow regarding the humanitarian impact on the civilian population in southern Beirut, where the conflict appears to be intensifying. The international community watches closely as the potential for further escalation looms large, leaving many to question the path to peace in the region.
