Beirut

Dozens of Greek and Cypriot nationals were being evacuated from Lebanon on Thursday as fighting between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah intensified.

The Hellenic Air Force sent a military transport plane to Beirut at 11 a.m. to carry out the evacuation, with state broadcaster ERT reporting that some 60 civilians are set to leave the country so far. 

Israeli strikes last night targeted a Hezbollah emergency center in Beirut, resulting in the deaths of five people, according to Lebanon's health ministry and a source linked to the Lebanese Islamist group. The attack, reported by AFP, is the second to hit the center of the Lebanese capital this week.

Israel carried out a deadly air raid Thursday in central Beirut after eight ground troops were killed near the Lebanese border, as it traded threats with its arch foe Iran over possible future attacks.

Israel vowed to make Iran "pay" for firing a barrage of missiles at its territory, with Tehran warning on Wednesday it would launch an even bigger attack if it is targeted.

Iran launched its second direct attack on Israel in history on Tuesday, firing what it said were 200 missiles including hypersonic weapons, and sending frightened Israeli civilians into shelters.

Concerns over a wider conflict in the Middle East have prompted international airlines to suspend flights to the region or avoid affected airspace.  

Aegean Airlines has canceled flights to and from Beirut until October 31 and to and from Tel Aviv until October 6.  

Air Algerie has suspended flights to and from Lebanon until further notice.  

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced today that they have killed Mohammed Jaffar Qassir, who was in charge of arms transfers from Iran to Lebanon’s Hezbollah.

Acting Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev reported that the ship "Galaxy Leader," which is currently held by Houthi forces with Bulgarian sailors onboard, was not harmed during the recent Israeli attack on the Hodeidah port. Glavchev confirmed that negotiations are ongoing for the release of the sailors, stating, "The Houthis are sensitive.

The US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, had a conversation with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, emphasizing that there would be "serious consequences" for Iran if it opts to execute a direct military attack against Israel. During their discussion, Austin addressed security developments and Israeli operations, reaffirming US support for Israel's right to defend itself.

The first group of 89 Bulgarians evacuated from Lebanon arrived safely at Sofia Airport last night, where they were greeted by acting Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev, acting Minister of Transport and Communications Krasimira Stoyanova, and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Elena Shekerletova.

On Tuesday, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) initiated targeted ground operations in southern Lebanon, concentrating on Hezbollah's strongholds and key infrastructure. These raids, described as limited and localized, were conducted based on precise intelligence and focused on villages near the border that posed a direct threat to northern Israel.