### Escalating Violence in Middle East Impacts Civilians and Peacekeepers

BEIRUT - In the early hours of Saturday, central Beirut was rocked by powerful airstrikes, intensifying fears amid ongoing efforts to negotiate a cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah. The strikes targeted a multi-story residential building in the Basta area, causing the structure to collapse and damaging surrounding buildings and homes. Rescue operations continued for hours after the 4 a.m. attack, with emergency workers sifting through the debris while distraught relatives waited nearby. Residents confirmed that the demolished building housed 14 apartments spread across six stories. The force of the blast was so immense it was heard across the capital, waking residents with its deafening noise.

In a concurrent incident, a hospital in northern Gaza faced severe damage after being struck seven times in one day. The attacks, which began Friday afternoon, hit Kamal Adwan Hospital's reception and emergency departments, as well as vital infrastructure such as water tanks and generators. The hospital’s director, Hussam Abu Safiya, reported that a dozen employees were injured, with one mortician requiring urgent surgery. The Israel Defense Forces stated they were not aware of strikes targeting the hospital but described the vicinity as an active war zone. They later emphasized that hospitals could lose protection if used for military purposes.

The escalating crisis also impacted peacekeepers in southern Lebanon. On Friday, two rockets struck a U.N. headquarters in Shama, injuring four Italian peacekeepers. Although the injuries were not life-threatening, the incident marked the third such attack on the base within a week. The rockets, likely launched by Hezbollah or related groups, caused significant damage, including setting a structure on fire.

The violence has taken a heavy toll on medical professionals across the region. Friday saw the deaths of 12 healthcare workers in Lebanon, including the director of Dar Al-Amal University Hospital in Baalbek province, who was killed alongside six colleagues in an Israeli strike. The World Health Organization condemned the alarming pattern of attacks on Lebanon’s healthcare system, highlighting the loss of dedicated individuals like hospital director Ali Allam, known for his commitment to patient care.

Adding to the tragedy, three paramedics from the Islamic Health Committee were killed in an attack on Qotrani town, while two more lost their lives in Deir Qanoun Ras al-Ain. Israel has accused Hezbollah of misusing ambulances to transport fighters, further complicating the humanitarian crisis.

The situation remains dire as conflict continues to strain the region’s medical facilities and endanger civilian lives, with the international community watching closely for any developments in the fragile cease-fire negotiations.