Israeli Airstrikes Kill Over 300 in Lebanon Despite U.S.-Iran Ceasefire
Key Takeaways
- Death toll rises above 300 across Lebanon from Israeli strikes.
- Israel struck over 100 sites across Lebanon within 10 minutes.
- Strikes occurred despite a US-Israeli ceasefire.
Deadliest Day
Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon killed at least 303 people, marking the deadliest day of the war.
“Beirut, Lebanon – As bombs rained down on Lebanon’s capital, hundreds of people rushed to the American University of Beirut (AUB) Hospital, many crying, many scared”
The strikes came despite a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran that was expected to include Lebanon.
The Israeli military conducted more than 100 strikes within 10 minutes across Beirut, the Beqaa Valley, and southern Lebanon.
The Lebanese Presidency condemned the attacks as barbaric and a new massacre.
The strikes killed at least 71 women, 30 children, and nine elderly people.
Ceasefire Controversy
The strikes occurred hours after the U.S.-Iran ceasefire was announced.
Netanyahu insisted the agreement would not halt Israel’s campaign in Lebanon.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance said Iran misunderstood what was part of the agreement.
The ceasefire was brokered by Pakistan and meant to pause the war that started on February 28.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned the U.S. not to let Netanyahu kill diplomacy.
Civilian Toll and Hospital Strain
Hospitals in Beirut struggled to deal with the flood of casualties.
“Lebanon digs for survivors after Israeli attack kills over 300, as surprise word of talks emerges Lebanon digs for survivors after Israeli attack kills over 300, as surprise word of talks emerges BEIRUT (AP) — Lebanon reeled Thursday after the deadliest day of the renewed war between Israel and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group, with the death toll exceeding 300 people as more remains were pulled from rubble and bodies identified at hospitals”
The American University of Beirut Hospital received around 76 injured people in under an hour.
At least 110 children, women, and elderly people were among those killed.
The strikes hit areas well outside Hezbollah's traditional stronghold.
Rescue workers continued to pull people from rubble.
International Reactions and Talks
Israel made a surprise announcement authorizing direct talks with Lebanon.
Negotiations were expected to begin next week at the State Department.
Netanyahu said the talks would focus on disarming Hezbollah.
Iran’s parliament speaker said continued Israeli attacks would bring explicit costs.
The strikes drew concern from world leaders.
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