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Beirut hotel strike reports confirmed that at least four people were killed early Sunday when an Israeli air strike hit a building inside a hotel complex in central Beirut. Israeli officials said the attack targeted Iranian commanders operating in the Lebanese capital.
The strike occurred in the Ramada hotel building located in the Raouche district, a coastal area of Beirut known for tourism and residential buildings.
Lebanese authorities reported additional injuries and structural damage to the building following the explosion.
Israeli Military Says Target Was Iranian Commanders
According to the Israel Defense Forces, the strike was aimed at commanders linked to the Quds Force, an external operations unit of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
In a statement, the Israeli military said the commanders were involved in coordinating attacks against Israel while operating from Lebanon.
The military did not disclose the identities of the individuals believed to be targeted in the operation.
Officials said the strike was conducted as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt threats against Israeli civilians and security forces.
First Strike In Central Beirut Since Fighting Resumed
The Beirut hotel strike is reported to be the first Israeli air strike in the central part of the Lebanese capital since renewed hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah began last week.
Previous strikes had mostly targeted southern Lebanon and the southern suburbs of Beirut, areas where Hezbollah has a strong presence.
The attack raised concerns that Israeli military operations could expand into other parts of the capital.
Residents and humanitarian groups fear that such developments could increase risks for civilians living in densely populated neighborhoods.
Casualties And Damage Reported
Lebanon’s health ministry confirmed that at least four people were killed and ten others were injured in the strike.
Witnesses said the explosion struck a corner suite on the fourth floor of the Ramada hotel building.
Journalists at the scene reported shattered windows, blackened building walls, and debris scattered across nearby streets.
Several parked vehicles were also damaged by the force of the blast.
Emergency teams responded quickly to evacuate the injured and secure the area.
Displaced Families Among Those Affected
The Raouche district has recently received many displaced residents who fled heavy bombardment in southern Lebanon and the southern suburbs of Beirut.
Some of these families were temporarily staying at the Ramada hotel when the strike occurred.
Following the attack, several people were seen leaving the building out of fear of additional air strikes.
One resident displaced from Beirut’s southern suburbs said the explosion occurred while families were sleeping during the early morning hours.
Witness Describes Impact Of Blast
A resident identified as Khalil Abou Mohammad said his three children were injured when the blast struck nearby buildings.
He told reporters that the force of the explosion shattered windows and sent debris into their room.
His children were later transported to a nearby hospital where they received treatment. According to the family, the injuries may require surgical procedures.
Witnesses also described seeing smoke and broken glass across the surrounding streets shortly after the strike.
Lebanon Drawn Into Widening Regional Conflict
The strike occurred amid growing regional tensions involving Israel, Iran, and allied groups in the Middle East.
Lebanon became directly involved in the conflict earlier in the week after the Iran backed militant group Hezbollah launched rockets and drones toward Israel.
Israel responded with extensive air strikes across southern and eastern Lebanon as well as areas near Beirut.
Military officials say the operations are intended to prevent attacks on Israeli territory and security forces.
Rising Concerns About Regional Escalation
The Beirut hotel strike has heightened concerns that the conflict could spread further across the region.
Israel has warned representatives linked to Iran in Lebanon to leave immediately or risk being targeted.
Earlier this week, Israeli strikes were also reported near the Iranian embassy in Lebanon.
Analysts say continued exchanges of attacks between Israel, Iran, and allied groups could increase the risk of a wider regional conflict.
For now, emergency services and investigators in Beirut continue to assess the damage and assist those affected by the strike at Beirut hotel strike.
