Israel Launches Largest Lebanon Strikes Despite Iran Ceasefire

Israel’s largest wave of strikes on Lebanon since March has been unleasehed, with Beirut and multiple regions hit in a rapid, high-intensity operation that unfolded amid confusion over the truce’s scope.

The strikes came hours after conflicting signals over whether Lebanon was covered by the ceasefire. Statements from Pakistan suggested it applied region-wide, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clarified at 6am that Lebanon was excluded.

The Israeli military then acted decisively, launching what it described as 100 air strikes across multiple locations within a 10-minute window, marking one of the most concentrated bombardments of the conflict.

According to UNHCR, more than 60 locations were hit, including areas in Beirut beyond the southern suburbs typically targeted. Authorities reported “hundreds of casualties,” with hospitals declaring mass casualty events and calling for additional medical personnel.

“Deaths are mounting. Destruction is massive. Civilians are paying the price. Again,” UNHCR Lebanon said, highlighting the humanitarian impact of the strikes.

Al Jazeera Arabic said the scale of the attack was “reminiscent of 1982,” referencing Israel’s invasion of Beirut. The strikes extended to nearly 10 locations within the capital and dozens more nationwide in a single operational burst.

The Israeli army described the assault as its heaviest since the escalation began on March 2, indicating a shift toward higher-intensity operations beyond routine targeting patterns.

UN Special Coordinator Jeanine Hennis warned, “This cannot go on. Neither side can shoot or strike their way to victory,” as humanitarian agencies reported widespread destruction.

Jan Egeland of the Norwegian Refugee Council said colleagues were witnessing “horrifying scenes,” urging all parties to halt attacks and expand the ceasefire to include Lebanon.

The strikes have introduced new risks to the ceasefire framework, with Iran warning it could withdraw from the agreement if attacks on Lebanon continue.

A source indicated Tehran is preparing potential responses, raising the prospect of escalation across multiple fronts as the conflict continues despite diplomatic efforts to contain it.