Israeli strikes in Lebanon kill nearly 200, casting doubt on a fragile US-Iran ceasefire and escalating regional tensions.
BEIRUT: Lebanon declared a national day of mourning after Israeli strikes killed nearly 200 people. The attacks have severely threatened a nascent ceasefire between the United States and Iran.
The Lebanese health ministry reported at least 182 dead and nearly 900 wounded from Wednesday’s bombardment. It was Israel’s heaviest assault on Lebanon since Hezbollah joined the regional conflict in early March.
Lebanon’s prime minister’s office ordered public administrations closed and flags lowered. It described the victims as “innocent, defenceless civilians” targeted in the attacks.
Hezbollah responded by firing rockets towards Israel. The group said this was a retaliation for Israel’s violation of the US-Iran truce.
Conflicting messages emerged over whether Lebanon was included in the ceasefire. US Vice President JD Vance backed Israel’s claim that it was excluded from the agreement.
“If Iran wants to let this negotiation fall apart… over Lebanon, which has nothing to do with them, that’s ultimately their choice,” Vance stated.
Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf suggested the truce basis was already violated. He cited the Lebanon attacks as one of three alleged US breaches.
A senior US official added to the fragility, noting Iran’s current 10-point peace plan differed from terms initially agreed. UN rights chief Volker Turk called the scale of killing in Lebanon “horrific”.
Witness Ali Younes described panic in Beirut as strikes hit without warning. “People started running left and right, and smoke was billowing,” he said.
Local officials state over 1,700 people have been killed in Lebanon since Israel’s offensive began last month. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned they would “fulfil our duty and deliver a response”.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country remained prepared to confront Iran. High-stakes talks between US and Iranian delegations are expected soon in Pakistan.
A key point of contention remains the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil chokepoint. Iran announced alternative shipping routes on Thursday, citing sea mine risks.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged all parties to “exercise restraint and respect the ceasefire”. Further doubts emerged as Iranian media announced fresh attacks on US-allied Gulf states.
In Tehran, streets were quieter with many shops closed following a night of anxiety. Resident Sakineh Mohammadi expressed relief, stating, “We are more relaxed.”