ALBAWABA- Intensified Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon killed at least 89 people and wounded more than 722 others on Wednesday, in what Lebanese officials described as one of the deadliest days of the conflict, marked by heavy civilian casualties and widespread destruction.
According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, more than 100 strikes were launched within ten minutes, targeting Beirut, Sidon, and southern regions. Many of the casualties were reported on civilian roads and in densely populated residential neighborhoods, raising alarm over the scale and impact of the bombardment.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the attacks as “brutal,” accusing Israel of deliberately targeting civilian areas and undermining ongoing efforts toward de-escalation. Lebanese officials said the strikes reflect a continued pattern of Israeli atrocities and disproportionate force against populated areas.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Lebanon is not covered by the US-Iran ceasefire, a position echoed by US President Donald Trump. Israeli FM Minister further defended the operation, claiming Israeli forces were acting “on behalf of the Lebanese government,” while criticizing Lebanese leaders for opposing the strikes.
Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, said Hezbollah carried out a “surprise strike” targeting headquarters across Lebanon, describing it as the “largest concentrated blow Hezbollah has absorbed since Operation Buzzers.”
The escalation has placed the fragile 15-day ceasefire brokered by Pakistan under growing strain. The Wall Street Journal, citing diplomatic sources, reported that Iran has warned mediators that its participation in planned talks in Islamabad depends on an immediate halt to Israeli operations in Lebanon. Tehran has also threatened further escalation, including potential disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
In Yemen, Houthi official Mohammad Ali al-Houthi signaled possible regional responses, stating that Lebanon and other Arab countries would not be left exposed amid the ongoing escalation. A major address by the group’s leadership is expected on Thursday, outlining its position.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated that the ceasefire was intended to cover all fronts, warning that selective implementation could undermine the agreement.
The latest casualties bring the overall death toll in Lebanon from Israeli operations to more than 1,600, with over one million people displaced and large parts of southern Lebanon devastated.
