sraeli forces conducted a large-scale air operation over Beirut on Wednesday, reportedly hitting more than 100 targets in a matter of minutes, according to statements from the Israeli military. The strikes occurred just hours after announcements of a two-week ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, adding to confusion over how broadly the truce was intended to apply.
The Israeli prime minister’s office stated that Israel supported the temporary pause in hostilities involving Iran. However, officials emphasized that the agreement did not cover Israel’s ongoing military campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon, according to reports cited by the Washington Post.
In Lebanon, the Health Ministry reported that at least 182 people were killed and around 890 others were injured in the strikes. Authorities cautioned that these figures were still preliminary, as emergency and rescue teams continued to search through destroyed and damaged buildings across multiple areas.
Civil Defense crews worked overnight in Beirut and surrounding regions, attempting to locate survivors trapped under rubble. Officials warned that the casualty count could increase further as recovery efforts progressed and more information became available from affected sites.
Shortly after news of the ceasefire emerged, explosions were reported in several parts of Beirut. Airstrikes reportedly struck densely populated neighborhoods, including residential zones, commercial districts, and areas near critical infrastructure such as the country’s only international airport. Hospitals across the capital issued urgent appeals for blood donations, while medical staff were instructed to report immediately for emergency response duties.
The Israeli military confirmed that its operations extended beyond Beirut, also targeting areas in the Bekaa Valley and southern Lebanon. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz described the strikes as “surprise attacks” directed at Hezbollah positions. Officials reiterated that Israel’s actions in Lebanon were separate from the ceasefire framework involving Iran.
Israeli authorities said the strikes were intended to prevent further attacks on Israeli territory, citing previous rocket and drone fire attributed to Hezbollah. The escalation has further heightened regional tensions already strained by ongoing cross-border exchanges.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam strongly condemned the attacks, stating that they struck heavily populated civilian areas and resulted in significant loss of life. He called on international partners to intervene urgently to halt the violence and protect civilians.
The situation has also raised questions about the interpretation of the U.S.-Iran ceasefire agreement. While some initial reports suggested broader regional implications, U.S. officials later clarified that the deal applied only to direct American and Iranian operations, not to Israeli military activity in Lebanon.
The conflicting interpretations have contributed to uncertainty over the ceasefire’s scope, as fighting continues and diplomatic efforts struggle to contain the rapidly escalating conflict in the region.
