Israeli Strike Hits Beirut City Centre Hotel for First Time in War
A loud explosion tore through Beirut’s Raouche neighbourhood. It happened around 1:30 in the morning. The Israeli strike hit the four-star Ramada Plaza hotel. This marked the first time in this war that Israel bombed the city centre. The area is a bustling coastal district full of restaurants and hotels. Inside the hotel, the Israeli military said, was a secret meeting of Iranian operatives.
No Warning Given
The strike came without any warning to civilians. Locals and displaced people staying nearby ran to their windows. Those on the streets ducked for cover. Ramadan crowds had still been busy in the area.
Wider Conflict Intensifies
Lebanon has faced hundreds of Israeli strikes since war with Hezbollah resumed a week ago. Nearly 500 people have been killed, according to official figures. Entire buildings have been toppled in many attacks. Most strikes focus on southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and Beirut’s southern suburbs. These are Hezbollah’s heartlands. However, this Beirut city centre strike hit far from those areas. The Ramada Plaza is described as offering “celebrity treatment with world-class service.” Now its fourth floor bears the scars of war.
