Israelis attack Beirut, five children killed

(Patria) - A thick cloud of smoke is rising over Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, after the Israeli army announced it had carried out a "targeted attack". Residents of the southern suburbs reported hearing a loud explosion, Reuters reports.

The Israelis did not provide any details about the attack, but emphasized that there are no changes to the advice for Israeli civilians to stay safe. The attack on Beirut occurred after Hezbollah fired 140 rockets at northern Israel.

The Lebanese state news agency reports that five children were killed in the Israeli attack on Dahieh, a suburb of Beirut, and that a residential building appears to have been hit.

"The attacked area is full of shops and markets, many people live there. It is an area controlled by Hezbollah, which has its own checkpoints. They monitor who enters or leaves through them," said Alex Crawford, Sky News correspondent.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces in Gaza have killed at least 15 Palestinians in the latest tank and air strikes on northern and central areas, according to doctors.

The Reuters news agency reports that local officials said Israeli tanks shelled the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, and an air strike hit a house in Gaza City in the north. Residents also told Reuters that tanks advanced further into northwestern Rafah, near the border with Egypt.

The Israeli army said that forces operating in Rafah in recent weeks have killed hundreds of Hamas militants, found tunnels and explosives, and destroyed military infrastructure.

The Hamas-run Ministry of Health in Gaza says at least 41,270 Palestinians, including 11,355 children, have been killed since October 7, while more than 95,000 others have been injured.