Israel Bombs Lebanon After US-Iran Ceasefire; Kills 254 Including School Children
Key Takeaways
- Hundreds killed across Lebanon in Israeli airstrikes, with tolls reported between 182 and 254.
- Beirut and southern Lebanon heavily targeted, including strikes on central Beirut.
- Iran says Lebanon is included in the ceasefire; US and Israel dispute it.
Israel Bombs Beirut
Just hours after the US and Iran announced a ceasefire, Israel launched its most powerful attacks on Lebanon since the war began.
Israel's military said it targeted more than 100 Hezbollah sites.
Lebanon's health minister reported at least 203 dead, with the civil defense tally reaching 254.
Top European diplomats called for Lebanon to be included in the ceasefire, warning exclusion would destabilize the whole region.
Ceasefire Controversy
Israel and the US maintained the deal did not cover Lebanon or Hezbollah, while Iran and Pakistan said it did.
Iran’s Parliament Speaker called Israel's strikes a violation of the negotiating framework.
French President Macron said the ceasefire must include Lebanon.
Iran’s IRGC claimed shipping through the Strait of Hormuz stopped, which the White House said was false.
Geopolitical Ramifications
Israel's renewed attacks in Lebanon posed an immediate challenge to the stability of the ceasefire.
Iran threatened to pull out of negotiations with the U.S.
UN officials described the humanitarian situation in Lebanon as extremely critical.
About 1,400 ships remained anchored in the Strait of Hormuz despite some transit.
Human Cost
The strikes shot towering columns of smoke into the sky above Beirut.
Rescue workers searched for survivors under rubble.
The Lebanese Army closed a strategic bridge after an Israeli threat to target it.
The attacks heaped new casualties on the more than 1,500 already killed.
More on Lebanon
Vance Clears Lebanon From Iran Ceasefire, Contradicts Pakistan and Iran
21 sources compared
Israel Bombs Beirut Three Hours After U.S.-Iran Ceasefire, Kills Over 300
11 sources compared
Hezbollah Fires Rockets at Israel, Israel Intensifies Airstrikes on Lebanon
11 sources compared
Lebanon Becomes Central Rift as Israel Bombs Despite US-Iran Ceasefire
13 sources compared