The world watched in horror as a video capturing the devastating aftermath of an Israeli missile strike on a residential building in Beirut, Lebanon, went viral across social media platforms. The footage, taken by Associated Press photographer Bilal Hussein, shows the moment the building crumbles like a house of cards, leaving viewers stunned and raising global concern about the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
The video, which has been widely shared and discussed online, reveals a chilling scene: several men, standing by their cars, watch from a distance as the building collapses. The force of the strike is evident as dust and debris engulf the area, and some individuals can be seen quickly driving away on motorbikes.
The incident occurred just 40 minutes after an Israeli warning was posted on social media in Arabic, alerting residents in and around two buildings in the Tayouneh neighborhood, near Horsh Beirut, to evacuate. The warning indicated that the building was “in its sights.”
Positioned behind a large tree, photographer Hussein captured the terrifying sequence of events. “I heard the sound of the missile whistling, headed toward the building and then I started filming,” Hussein told the Associated Press.
Prior to the strike, two smaller projectiles were fired at the roof of the building – a tactic known as warning strikes, often employed by the Israeli military.
The shocking footage has sparked outrage and condemnation worldwide. Local authorities and emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene to assess the damage and provide assistance to any affected individuals.
Media reports suggest that following the Israeli warning, residents fled the bustling and densely populated neighborhood. By the time the strike occurred, the building was reportedly evacuated, preventing any casualties. However, the images of the destruction serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of this ongoing conflict.
The incident highlights the volatile situation in the region and the potential for further escalation of violence. It also underscores the importance of international efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
