The Israeli military launched its most extensive coordinated strike across Lebanon to date, resulting in the deaths of at least 254 people. Over 100 air raids targeted dense commercial and residential districts in central Beirut, the Bekaa Valley, and southern regions.
This massive escalation occurred just hours after a ceasefire agreement was announced between the United States and Iran to halt their direct conflict. Israeli officials clarified that the diplomatic deal does not extend to their ongoing operations against the Hezbollah militant group.
Lebanese health officials reported that the strikes left 1,165 others wounded as emergency services struggled to reach victims buried under the rubble. Most of the attacks were carried out without any prior warning to civilians living in the targeted metropolitan areas.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the exclusion of Lebanon from the regional truce during a televised address on Wednesday evening. He emphasized that Israel maintains its finger on the trigger and will continue to act forcefully against perceived threats.
One of the deadliest incidents occurred in the Bekaa Valley, where an airstrike reportedly hit a cemetery during a funeral service. Witnesses described scenes of absolute chaos as families attempted to flee the city center of Beirut amidst falling munitions.
International observers expressed shock at the timing of the assault, which seemed to defy the spirit of the recent US-Iran negotiations. Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the broader Middle East conflict now face significant hurdles following this unprecedented display of force.
The Iranian government condemned the strikes as a grave violation of the ceasefire and threatened to resume hostilities if attacks continue. In response to the bombardment, Tehran reportedly closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping lane, citing regional risks.
Hospitals across Lebanon are currently overwhelmed by the sudden influx of patients requiring urgent surgical intervention and blood donations. Medical supplies are reportedly running low at major facilities as the scale of the humanitarian crisis continues to expand.
Global markets reacted sharply to the news of the escalation, with oil prices jumping as fears of a wider regional war resurfaced. Analysts suggest that the lack of coordination regarding the scope of the truce could lead to further regional instability.