Israeli blitz on Beirut levels entire buildings in southern suburbs

Israel had continued to pummel southern Beirut, in a week of heavy strikes coinciding with the arrival of a top Iranian adviser to the capital, and as Lebanese officials study a ceasefire proposal. Beirut’s southern suburbs were bombarded for a fourth consecutive day, particularly Ghobeiry which has seen an uptick in attacks recently. Videos purportedly showed the moment buildings were hit and completely brought down, while Israel struck other neighbourhoods in Burj al-Barajneh. One building was also levelled at the Tayyouneh roundabout, an important intersection which connects different parts of the Lebanese capital. Scenes of widespread destruction in Ghobeiry were shared online. Many of its residents had stayed put as it was largely spared the attacks on other areas in the southern suburbs of Beirut. Ghobeiry Mayor Maan al-Khalil told Beirut-based broadcaster Al-Mayadeen earlier Friday that his municipality witnessed around a dozen air raids in less than 48 hours, which echoed throughout the city as plumes of smoke rose above Dahiyeh. Some observers in Lebanon say the escalation is Israel's strategy for maximum pressure on Hezbollah amid ceasefire negotiations.