An Israeli drone strike hit central Beirut on Monday evening, targeting a building near Husseiniyet al-Zahra area at the intersection of Zoqaq al-Blat and Salim Salam. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported that at least four people were killed and 24 others injured in the attack.

Jamal Amayrat, a mukhtar (local official) from Zoqaq al-Blat, said the strike hit an apartment behind the husseinieh — a building used for Shiite religious practices. He added that the explosion impacted a crowded alley, including a cafeteria frequented by locals. The office of Hassan Choumen, the mukhtar of Bashoura, is also located in the targeted building.

The strike occurred a few meters from several key landmarks, including UNESCO’s headquarters, the Lebanese Parliament, the Grand Serail, and multiple embassies. It took place on the eve of a scheduled visit to Beirut by U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein.