Israel strikes building in central Beirut, issues new evacuation warnings

Israel on Tuesday launched air strikes on building in central Beirut and issues new evacuation warnings ahead of expected vote on ceasefire deal, reported AP.

The evacuation orders for 20 buildings in the Lebanese capital's southern suburbs have been issued.

However, it was not clear if there were any casualties.

“Attacking Hezbollah targets in the Beirut area on a large scale,” reported Reuters, quoting Israeli Military.

The air strikes took place while Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah looked set to reach a ceasefire deal, clearing the way for an end to the conflict that has killed thousands of people since it was ignited by the Gaza war 14 months ago.

The Israeli military said it had struck around 30 targets belonging to the militant group Hezbollah in southern Lebanon since Tuesday morning, before the country's security cabinet meets to decide on a ceasefire deal, reported AFP.

The targets included a launcher used to fire projectiles at Israel the day before, "weapons storage facilities, terrorist infrastructure sites, command centers, and additional launchers", the army said in a statement.

The Israeli military also reached parts of the Litani River in Lebanon for the first time since the conflict began. This region is a focus point for the possible ceasefire, reported AP.

However, there is a guarantee of a ceasefire. It was expected that Israel's security Cabinet meeting would approve the US-supported proposal on Tuesday, a deal that is supported by Hezbollah as well, according to Lebanese officials.

If the deal gets the approval of all the parties, it will be a significant step towards ending the war. The Israel Hezbollah has heightened the tensions across the region and raised concerns of a conflict between Israel and Iran.

According to the proposed deal, a two-month initial halt in fighting would need Hezbollah to stop the presence of the army in Southern Lebanon. Meanwhile, the Israeli army will be expected to return to their part of te border. An international panel led by the US will monitor the situation, and Lebanese troops and UN peacekeepers will be mobilised in the South.