Breaking news: Powerful missiles hit Beirut's historic center, dozens affected

A devastating early-morning strike shook Beiruts historic center causing major destruction in the antique-shop district. Four high-tech missiles hit an eight-story building at 4am local time leaving a massive crater and strong explosive smell in the area

The attack which killed 11 people used special bunker-penetrating weapons designed for underground targets (similar to those used in previous strikes). Nemir Zakariya whose family was caught in the blast described the chaos: his wife daughter and aunt needed medical care at the American University Medical Centre

This marks the fourth strike on central Beirut in recent days — a shift from usual patterns where attacks focused on the citys southern areas. The Israeli military hit additional targets in Beiruts southern suburbs but didnt comment on the central-district strike; they say Hezbollah puts its facilities near civilians which the group denies

• 62 people killed in thursdays strikes
• 111 people injured in recent attacks
• Over 3‚500 casualties since conflicts start
• More than 15‚000 people hurt in 13 months

The conflict which started about a year ago after Hamas October attack has seen both sides suffer losses. Israeli northern areas reported over 100 casualties including 70-plus soldiers while Lebanon faces widespread destruction

A US peace-broker visited both countries this week for talks with Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese officials: some progress was noted. In a separate incident five people died in Roum village from another strike showing the conflicts wide-reaching impact