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Beirut Bombed After Ceasefire
Israel launched its most powerful strikes on Lebanon, bombing central Beirut and killing at least 254 people.
“Israel’s military launched what it described as its most powerful attacks on Lebanon, killing hundreds of people”
The strikes came mere hours after the United States and Iran announced a two-week ceasefire.
The Israeli military said it was targeting 100 Hezbollah sites and infrastructure.
The Lebanese health ministry issued urgent appeals for roads to be cleared for ambulances.
Pakistan's prime minister mediated a ceasefire that included Lebanon, but Israel insisted it did not apply to Hezbollah.
Casualties Mount with Hundreds Killed
Lebanon's health ministry updated the death toll to at least 254 with 1,165 wounded.
The strikes extended throughout Lebanon including previously untargeted areas.
Hospitals were overwhelmed and off-duty doctors were called in.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz framed the operation as a calculated blow against Hezbollah.
The strikes came despite the truce Iran and the US agreed on.
International Fallout and Divisions
The escalation sent shockwaves through the broader Middle East.
“Iran threatened to suspend traffic through the Strait of Hormuz in response to Israel’s attacks on Lebanon”
Iran threatened to suspend traffic through the Strait of Hormuz in response to Israel’s attacks.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged all warring parties to show restraint.
Israel’s decision risked clearing divisions in the wartime coalition.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights called the scale of killings appalling.