Israel Launches Biggest Airstrikes on Lebanon Since War Began
Unprecedented Israeli bombardment devastates Lebanon, leaving Beirut in chaos and raising questions about the ceasefire's impact.
Dozens Dead and Hundreds Injured in Latest Israeli Bombardment
Israel has unleashed its most intense wave of airstrikes on Lebanon since the conflict with Hezbollah reignited last month, leaving dozens dead and hundreds more injured, according to the Lebanese health ministry.
Read More: US and Iran Agree to Two-Week Ceasefire
The strikes targeted suspected Hezbollah positions, with more than 100 sites hit within a span of 10 minutes. Areas affected include the capital Beirut, where multiple consecutive explosions shook residential neighborhoods. Lebanese officials have described the devastation as unprecedented.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that this was the "largest concentrated blow Hezbollah has suffered since operation of the pagers.” This operation refers to a previous attack in September 2024, where pagers secretly turned into explosive devices were used by Israeli forces against Hezbollah militants. Katz also issued a stern warning to Hezbollah leader Naim Kassem, vowing that the group would “pay a high price” for its actions.
Red Cross Reports Chaos and Mass Casualties in Beirut
The attacks on Beirut have plunged the city into chaos, with emergency responders struggling to cope with the crisis. Georges Kettaneh, Secretary General of Lebanon’s Red Cross, expressed fears that the number of casualties may continue to rise. Many victims remain trapped under rubble as hospitals report being overwhelmed with injured residents.
The airstrikes reportedly came without warning, targeting neighborhoods such as Mazraa, Barbar, Cola, and Ain el Teneh — areas not typically hit in previous IDF operations against Hezbollah. Residents in these densely populated zones were caught off guard by the sudden escalation.
Speaking to Arabic-language outlet Al-Araby TV, Kettaneh said that many victims are trapped under the rubble and hospitals are overwhelmed with casualties.
The health ministry described the challenges rescue workers face, including traffic congestion making it difficult for ambulances to reach those in need.
Ceasefire Deal Sparks Confusion as Israel Continues Attacks
The strikes come in the wake of a temporary ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, which was brokered by Pakistan late last night. Israel has stated that the agreement does not include its ongoing war in Lebanon, a claim contradicted by Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, who asserted that Tehran considers Lebanese territory to be part of the deal.
Despite diplomatic assurances, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that they targeted approximately 100 "military headquarters and infrastructure" belonging to Hezbollah during the operation. The heavy bombardment underscores deep divisions and uncertainty surrounding the ceasefire’s implementation.
The situation remains fluid, with international observers calling for an immediate end to hostilities. Meanwhile, residents of Beirut and surrounding areas brace for further strikes as the conflict shows no sign of abating.
AI contributed to the creation of this article.