LEBANON, OCT 11 – An Israeli airstrike killed about 22 people in central Beirut yesterday as Israeli ground forces in Lebanon were accused of firing at the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping headquarters, wounding two members of the Blue Helmets.
The attack on Beirut, where a journalist AFP several loud explosions were heard, it was the third such attack on the center of the Lebanese capital since Israel stepped up its military campaign last month.
Lebanon’s Ministry of Health released the latest death toll and said the number of injured had risen to 117.
AFP live TV footage showed two plumes of smoke visible between densely packed buildings, while Israeli authorities did not immediately comment on the nature of the attack’s target.
Lebanese security sources, without giving further details, said Hezbollah leaders were targeted after a series of assassinations of high-ranking officials in the Iran-backed group.
Most of Israel’s previous attacks targeted areas south of Beirut, not the city center.
The attack came on the same day UN peacekeepers in Lebanon accused Israeli forces of repeatedly firing at its positions, including using tanks, injuring two Indonesian soldiers.
EU chief Charles Michel said today that the attack on the UN peacekeeping mission was irresponsible and unacceptable after Italy and Spain both condemned the attack.
Washington stated that even if Israel targets Hezbollah facilities, ‘it is important that they do not threaten the security and protection of UN peacekeepers.’ – AFP
