Dozens of people were killed and hundreds injured in a wave of Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon on Wednesday, according to the country’s health ministry, marking a sharp escalation in hostilities despite a separate ceasefire involving Iran.
The strikes hit multiple areas, including parts of Beirut, with emergency teams struggling to reach casualties amid heavy congestion. The health ministry urged residents to clear roads to allow ambulances access as rescue operations continued.
Israel said the strikes targeted members of Hezbollah in what it described as a “surprise” attack, adding that operations would extend beyond the group’s traditional strongholds. Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said Israel would increasingly target Hezbollah positions in civilian and mixed areas, citing what it said was an expansion of the group’s presence.
The escalation came hours after a ceasefire was announced between Israel, Iran and the United States. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the agreement did not apply to Lebanon, indicating that operations against Hezbollah would continue.
The latest violence follows months of cross-border clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, which intensified alongside broader regional tensions. Israel has previously indicated plans to establish a security zone in southern Lebanon, raising concerns about a possible prolonged presence.
Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran, has exchanged frequent fire with Israeli forces, with both sides targeting military positions. The widening scope of Israeli strikes into more densely populated areas reflects an expansion of the conflict.
International leaders have called for de-escalation. Emmanuel Macron said any broader ceasefire should include Lebanon, but there has been no indication of an immediate halt to the fighting.
The latest strikes highlight the continuing instability in the region, with civilians in Lebanon heavily affected by the escalation.