Beirut under fresh siege from Israel

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Israel struck several sites in central Beirut yesterday, razing a 10-storey building and killing at least 10 people. The attacks followed the Israeli military issuing evacuation orders to residents in southern Lebanon, ordering them to leave their homes and travel north. Israel says it is targeting Hezbollah fighters, as well as banks and businesses affiliated with the group. Initially, its strikes focused on the paramilitaries’ stronghold in the south of the Lebanese capital. But in recent days, it has expanded its focus to other parts of the Lebanese capital. In some cases, Israel has given advanced warning of the attacks. In other cases, there has been none. Lebanon’s health ministry says 912 people, including 111 children, have been killed in the country since 2 March, when Hezbollah launched rocket strikes across the border.