Israel intensifies strikes on central Beirut as fighting with Hezbollah escalates

Israeli airstrikes have hit central Beirut, with reports of buildings destroyed in the heart of the city and casualties, including at least 12 people killed. The strikes come as Israel doubles its troop presence along the Lebanese border and launches a ground assault, facing what reports describe as stiff resistance from Hezbollah.

Hezbollah has responded by firing dozens of rockets into northern Israel. The Israeli military, the IDF, is also reported to be striking targets in south Lebanon and searching homes there, marking a significant expansion and intensification of the cross-border conflict.