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Moment large blast erupts behind Sky News journalist in Beirut

A Sky News journalist was filming live in Beirut when a huge blast echoed throughout the city this afternoon.

International correspondent John Sparks was giving analysis of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah’s first speech since deadly explosions rocked Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday when a loud explosion interrupted filming.

It was unclear what caused the explosion. Hezbollah has fired rockets into Israel since the attacks earlier this week, which Israel has not claimed responsibility for. Israel said last night it was at the start of a new phase in its war.

A witness in Beirut claimed this afternoon that Israeli jets were carrying out huge sonic booms over the city during Nasrallah’s anticipated speech.

Lebanese residents, already on edge following this week’s blasts across the country that the group blamed on Israel, were panicked fearing a major escalation.

International correspondent John Sparks turns as a loud explosion is heard in Beirut

International correspondent John Sparks turns as a loud explosion is heard in Beirut

It was unclear what caused the explosion. A witness in Beirut claimed Israel was carrying out sonic blasts during Nasrallah's speech

It was unclear what caused the explosion. A witness in Beirut claimed Israel was carrying out sonic blasts during Nasrallah’s speech