Amid rising tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, a missile strike devastated an apartment building in Beirut, captured live by photographer Bilal Hussein. This incident forms part of Israel's ongoing military operations targeting Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon.

The missile strike followed an evacuation warning issued by Israeli military forces via social media, allowing residents time to leave the building. Positioned behind a tree for cover, Hussein recorded the missile's descent just moments before impact. "I heard the missile whistling toward the building and began filming," he said. His photos document the strike and its aftermath, showcasing the immediate destruction.

The evacuation warning, sent 40 minutes prior to the missile strike, referred to the buildings’ connection to “facilities associated with Hezbollah,” prompting many to flee the densely populated area. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, as the building was empty at the time of the attack.

Before the main strike, two smaller projectiles hit the roof as a part of what the Israeli military describes as a "warning strike." This tactic aims to allow residents to evacuate before a more destructive missile hits its target. The final missile struck the lower floors of the apartment building, demolishing it within seconds.

Footage shared on social media captured the chaotic scene as debris and smoke enveloped the area. In one video, a bystander remarked, “They targeted two buildings, not one,” as explosions reverberated through the neighborhood.

The missile strike is part of a broader Israeli offensive that has recently expanded to target financial infrastructures across Lebanon. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted several strikes in Beirut, focusing on key financial facilities associated with Hezbollah. On Sunday night, multiple bank branches were hit, aiming to undermine Hezbollah’s financial capabilities.

IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari explained the operations, saying, “These operations aim to target Hezbollah’s financial resources,” alleging the group is concealing cash and gold in civilian structures. The attacks have incited widespread panic, leading hundreds of residents to evacuate their homes amid fears of further strikes.

The situation has been complicated by the targeting of Sahel General Hospital in the Dahieh suburb of Beirut, a known Hezbollah stronghold. The IDF claimed that Hezbollah was storing cash in a bunker under the hospital, making it a potential target. However, Dr. Fadi Alami, the hospital's director, denied these allegations.

Although the IDF promised not to strike the hospital directly, Dr. Alami confirmed that the premises were evacuated for safety. "We evacuated the premises to ensure the safety of our staff and patients," he stated. While the hospital has not been directly attacked, the fear of further escalation looms large among residents.

As Israel's military campaign intensifies, targeting both residential and financial areas, the situation in Beirut grows increasingly dire. The IDF continues to focus on Hezbollah’s financial network, alleging that civilian buildings are used to store valuable assets. With no end in sight to the conflict, the humanitarian impact is expected to worsen, prompting more residents to flee their homes.

Israel Claims Hezbollah Stores Wealth Under Beirut Hospital

Antony Blinken Embarks on Mission to End Gaza War as Israeli Strikes Hit Beirut

Hezbollah finance chief "eliminated" in Syria, says Israeli army