Israel launches deadly Lebanon strikes hours after US-Iran ceasefire, killing 254
Israel carried out simultaneous airstrikes on Beirut and eastern and southern Lebanon just hours after the US and Iran announced a two-week ceasefire, killing 254 people and injuring 1,165. Iran warned it could suspend the ceasefire if attacks continue, while the US backed Israel, saying Lebanon was not included in the truce.
Israel launched simultaneous airstrikes on Lebanon's capital Beirut and the country's eastern and southern regions just hours after the US and Iran announced a two-week ceasefire, killing 254 people and injuring 1,165, Lebanese authorities reported. The strikes came despite the ceasefire agreement reached on the 40th day of the war.
Lebanon declares national mourning
Lebanon declared a day of national mourning following the attacks. Israeli warplanes conducted approximately 100 airstrikes without prior warning, targeting Beirut's Tel Hayyat area and other regions. The Lebanese Civil Defense reported the casualties, marking one of the deadliest days since Israel's ground offensive began on March 2.
Iran's warning
Iran announced that Israel's attacks on Lebanon violate the US-Iran ceasefire, warning that it would suspend the truce and launch strikes against Israel if the attacks continue. Tehran said the ceasefire had not included Lebanon in its terms.
Advertisement
US backs Israel
US Vice President JD Vance defended Israel's actions, stating that Iran mistakenly believed Lebanon was included in the ceasefire. "If Iran wants to allow these negotiations to collapse over the issue of Lebanon, which doesn't concern them... we think that would be foolish, but that's their choice," Vance said.
Egypt calls for international intervention
Egypt condemned Israel's "brutal" attacks and called for urgent international intervention to stop the violence. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said Israel's strikes represent "a new attempt to plunge the region into comprehensive chaos" and undermine diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions.
Conflict context
The US and Iran had agreed to a two-week ceasefire on April 8, following weeks of conflict that began when the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on Feb. 28. The Lebanese Health Ministry reports that the overall death toll from Israeli attacks on Lebanon since March 2 has risen to 1,739, with 5,873 injured.
Comments you share on our site are a valuable resource for other users. Please be respectful of different opinions and other users. Avoid using rude, aggressive, derogatory, or discriminatory language.