Israeli air strikes across Lebanon have killed more than 250 people and injured over 1,100, intensifying a conflict already marked by months of escalating violence and deepening uncertainty over a newly announced ceasefire in the region.
The bombardment, described as the largest coordinated assault since early March, struck Beirut, the Bekaa Valley, and southern regions, hitting both densely populated neighborhoods and alleged Hezbollah targets.
The attacks came hours after a Pakistan-mediated ceasefire between the United States and Iran took effect, but disagreement over whether Lebanon was included has fueled confusion and heightened tensions.
Officials from Pakistan and Iran stated that the truce applied to Lebanon, while the United States and Israel maintained that it did not.
US President Donald Trump described Lebanon as a “separate skirmish,” while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the ceasefire “does not include Lebanon.”
Analysts suggested Israel may be seeking to consolidate military gains before any broader agreement limits its operations.
International reactions have been swift, with multiple governments and organizations urging that Lebanon be included in the ceasefire framework and warning that continued strikes risk undermining regional stability.
The United Nations condemned the attacks, citing significant civilian casualties and warning of a “grave risk” to the fragile truce.
On the ground, the scale of destruction has overwhelmed emergency services and hospitals, prompting urgent calls for medical personnel and blood donations.
Entire buildings were destroyed in some areas, while others saw targeted strikes that left surrounding neighborhoods damaged.
Civilians described widespread fear and chaos as explosions echoed across multiple areas simultaneously.
“People are afraid,” said one Beirut resident, reflecting the broader sense of anxiety gripping communities.
The renewed offensive follows months of near-daily attacks despite a prior ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, which had been in place since late November 2024.
Since early March, intensified fighting and a ground invasion have killed approximately 1,700 people and displaced more than 1.2 million.
Hezbollah has asserted its right to respond, raising concerns that further escalation could widen the conflict and draw in additional regional actors.