War expands to central Beirut as Israeli strike kills Iranians in luxury hotel

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 7 min read 100% complete March 10, 2026 at 07:33 PM

AI Summary

long article 7 min

An Israeli strike hit the Ramada Plaza hotel in central Beirut early on March 8, marking the first time the city center has been targeted in the ongoing conflict. The Israeli military claimed the strike targeted a secret meeting of Iranian operatives, a claim Iran denies, stating those killed were diplomats. The strike killed four people and injured ten, according to the Lebanese health ministry. The IDF identified the deceased as members of Iran's Quds Force, including a financial operative and intelligence commanders. The strike, which hit the hotel's fourth floor, has raised concerns about the expansion of the conflict into new areas of Beirut.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) 40% Raouche ×240% Israel Defense Forces (IDF) 50% Quds Force 50% Ramada Plaza hotel ×260% Lebanon ×270% Iran ×470% Hezbollah ×370% Beirut ×380% Israel ×590%

Keywords

israeli strike 100% beirut 90% iran 80% hezbollah 70% war 70% ramada plaza hotel 60% islamic revolutionary guard corps 50% lebanon 50% quds force 50% iranian operatives 40%