Beirut shaken by 20 Israeli air strikes in two minutes

Israel launches major attack on Lebanese capital ahead of security cabinet vote on proposed ceasefire

Smoke billows above Beirut’s southern suburbs following an Israeli air strike on Tuesday. AFP

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Beirut was shaken by an intense wave of Israeli bombing on Tuesday less than an hour before the Israeli security cabinet was set to vote on a proposed ceasefire deal with Hezbollah.

Simultaneous air strikes hit south Beirut in one of the largest attacks of the war. Explosions could be heard across the city, with buildings shaking and plumes of smoke covering the capital. Ambulance sirens could be heard throughout the area.

At least seven people were confirmed dead in a strike on the Noweiri neighbourhood along with 37 wounded, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. The ministry said search and rescue operations were ongoing for survivors. The strike hit a four-storey building housing people displaced by bombardment on other parts of Lebanon.

Later, on Tuesday night, Israel issued an “urgent warning” for residents of four neighbourhoods in central Beirut to leave their homes if they were within 50 metres of buildings the army intended to attack.

It was the first bombing notice for the city centre in nearly two months of full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah. Central Beirut has been struck on numerous occasions but usually without warning. Bombardment notices have typically been issued for the southern suburbs and other parts of Lebanon.

Buildings braced for strikes on Tuesday night were in the neighbourhoods of Ras Beirut, Msaybte, Mazraa, and Zoukak el Blat. Gunshots were also fired into the air to warn residents to leave.

"Back in 2006, they did the same," said one resident, referring to Israel unleashing some of its worst attacks moments before a ceasefire with Hezbollah was agreed.

The Israeli army said it had launched large-scale strikes against Hezbollah sites on Tuesday afternoon, hitting 20 targets in 120 seconds using eight jet fighters.

Lebanon’s official National News Agency said “a belt of fire is surrounding the southern suburbs, and the raids are targeting the areas” of Burj Al Barajneh, Haret Hreik and Hadath.

The attacks on south Beirut came only about 30 minutes after Israel issued at least 20 eviction orders. Israel’s Arabic-language spokesman said the buildings that were hit housed Hezbollah facilities and interests, but he did not provide evidence.

Hopes are growing that a US-mediated ceasefire could bring an end to nearly 14 months of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah that has killed nearly 4,000 people in Lebanon and displaced about 1.4 million. Tens of thousands have also been displaced from northern Israel.

In the last two months Israel has intensified its offensive, killing Hezbollah's senior leadership, invading south Lebanon and devastating parts of the country.

The proposed ceasefire agreement requires Israeli troops to withdraw from south Lebanon and Lebanon's army to deploy in the region within 60 days. Hezbollah would end its armed presence along the border south of the Litani river.

The Israeli security cabinet was due to meet on Tuesday evening to discuss the proposal.