Still in shock, Beirut tries to heal after deadly Israeli attacks
Still in shock, Beirut tries to heal after deadly Israeli attacks
On Wednesday, Lebanon faced one of its most devastating days in recent history as Israeli air strikes swept through the country, causing widespread destruction and panic. The violence erupted just hours after a ceasefire was declared in Iran, catching many by surprise. Over 300 lives were lost in the attacks, with more than a third of the victims being women, children, and the elderly, as reported by the Lebanese health ministry.
Many of the strikes targeted densely populated areas, which had previously been considered safe zones. Israel claimed it launched more than 100 air attacks in a 10-minute span, focusing on locations connected to Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militant group. BBC Middle East correspondent Hugo Bachega shared accounts from Beirut residents, who remain in a state of disbelief following the bombings.
BBC Reports from the Frontlines
Meanwhile, the BBC’s Sebastian Usher was on the ground in Dimona, southern Israel, where an Iranian missile struck the city. In footage from Russian state broadcaster RT, correspondent Steve Sweeney can be seen ducking as the missile impact occurred. At least 10 people were killed and 27 injured in Dimona, according to Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency.
Footage verified by BBC Verify captured flames engulfing a building in the early hours of Sunday, following further attacks on the Gulf state. Social media clips showed smoke rising above the city’s skyline, with some residents fleeing their homes in the Beirut suburb of Dahieh amid ongoing strikes. A drone crash near the airport was also recorded by a witness and confirmed by the BBC.
Global Reach of the Conflict
Across the region, Iranians described life under constant bombardment and political pressure. Ben Chu from BBC Verify explored the potential role of the Royal Navy in safeguarding the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route. Dan Johnson gathered perspectives from Iranians at a border crossing in north-west Iran, highlighting their views on the war and its toll.
The conflict has disrupted trade in the Middle East’s largest port, as Iran’s blockade of the strait has caused significant logistical challenges. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper responded to President Trump’s critique of the UK’s involvement, emphasizing the government’s stance on the crisis. The Israeli military announced its “wave of strikes” shortly after ordering civilians in southern Lebanon to evacuate, marking a swift escalation of hostilities.
