An Israeli airstrike flattened a block of flats near one of south Beirut’s busiest intersections as Israel continues to heavily bomb areas of the Lebanese capital seen as Hezbollah strongholds.

A series of photos showed a projectile falling from the sky and hitting the lower floors of the apartment building, causing a sphere of fire and the collapse of the building.

Lebanon’s ANI news agency reported a “second fierce raid conducted by the hostile Israeli air force” targeting the Gobeiri district near the Tayouneh junction and opposite Beirut’s largest park.

Israel has hit one of the Lebanese capital’s most central areas.

This week, the Israel Defense Forces intensified their attacks on Beirut’s southern suburbs, which are regarded as Hezbollah strongholds. This escalation coincided with diplomatic contacts led by the US aimed at resolving the conflict.

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