Israel carried out an extensive wave of airstrikes across Lebanon on Wednesday, unleashing one of its most intense bombardments to date just hours after a ceasefire agreement was reached between Israel, the United States, and Iran—an agreement that notably did not extend to Lebanon.
The strikes targeted multiple areas, including Beirut, southern Lebanon, and the eastern Bekaa Valley, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky and triggering widespread panic. Scenes from the capital showed chaotic evacuations as explosions struck residential neighborhoods during busy daytime hours.
On the ground, the impact was devastating. Emergency responders struggled to reach victims as roads filled with debris and traffic. Hospitals called for urgent blood donations while rescue teams pulled survivors from damaged buildings and burning vehicles. Images of missing loved ones quickly spread online as families searched for relatives. Aid workers described the situation in Beirut as overwhelming. One humanitarian official said there was “total chaos,” with strikes hitting civilian areas “with no warning,” adding, “These are not targeted attacks.”
Lebanese officials reported significant casualties. Estimates vary, with figures ranging from at least 89 deaths and hundreds injured to as many as 254 killed, according to emergency services. Overall, more than 1,500 people have died since the conflict escalated weeks ago, while roughly 1.2 million residents have been displaced.
Despite earlier claims from Shehbaz Sharif that the ceasefire would include Lebanon, Israeli leadership rejected that notion. Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu made it clear that operations against Hezbollah would continue, emphasizing that the truce applied only to Iran. President Trump echoed that stance, stating, “Because of Hezbollah. They were not included in the deal. That’ll get taken care of too. It’s alright,” and describing the Lebanon conflict as a “separate skirmish.”
According to the Israeli military, around 50 fighter jets struck roughly 100 targets within minutes, hitting Hezbollah command centers, intelligence hubs, and military infrastructure. Officials said the operation had been planned for weeks and was executed when conditions were deemed favorable. The military also claimed to have eliminated dozens of Hezbollah fighters.
Hezbollah, which had paused attacks on northern Israel following the Iran ceasefire, warned displaced civilians not to return home yet, claiming it was nearing a “major historic victory.” At the same time, Lebanese leaders condemned the strikes, with officials calling them attacks on “unarmed civilians” and urging international intervention. Meanwhile, tensions remain high across the region, with Iran reportedly threatening further action if Israeli strikes in Lebanon persist.
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