Israeli airstrikes on central Beirut on Thursday left two neighborhoods smoldering, killing at least 22 people and wounded some 117 others, Lebanon’s health ministry said, as well as further escalating Israel’s bloody conflict with Iran-backed Hezbollah militants in Lebanon.

Hezbollah's priority right now is defeating Israel militarily but it is open to any efforts to stop "the aggression", the head of Lebanese group's media office, Mohammad Afif, said on Friday. The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has intensified in recent weeks,

Hezbollah critics and supporters alike are voicing frustration over what many view as the group's miscalculations.