Brussels, (Unib Rashid) — Israeli forces carried out a major strike on Lebanon’s capital Beirut on Wednesday, coinciding with the presence of Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot in the country. The attack reportedly occurred just a few hundred meters from the Belgian embassy.

At the time of the strike, Prévot was meeting with Lebanese leadership. Reacting to the incident, he expressed deep shock, stating that Lebanon is going through “one of its bloodiest days in recent times.”

According to local authorities, dozens of people were killed and hundreds injured in the Israeli attacks. Officials said that nearly 100 missiles were launched across the country within a span of six minutes. In Beirut, at least five explosions were heard, followed by large plumes of black smoke rising into the sky.

The smoke was clearly visible from the presidential palace located in the hills of Beirut, where Prévot was present as a guest. Shortly after the explosions, sirens began blaring across the city.

Following meetings with President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Prévot reiterated his solidarity with Lebanon, saying, “This is one of the bloodiest days Lebanon has seen in recent times. It was important for us to be here to show our support. We are deeply shocked and stand with the people of Lebanon.”