Israel launched its most extensive wave of airstrikes across Lebanon on Wednesday, killing at least 89 people and injuring more than 700, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, in what officials described as the deadliest escalation in recent weeks.
Lebanese authorities said the strikes targeted multiple areas including Beirut’s southern suburbs, the Bekaa Valley, and southern Lebanon, with rescue operations continuing amid fears the death toll could rise further.
Health officials also reported that at least 12 medical personnel were among those killed, while several residential buildings and infrastructure were damaged in the attacks.
The Israeli military said it had struck more than 100 targets linked to Hezbollah, as part of ongoing operations against the Iran-backed group. Israel also indicated that its military actions in Lebanon would continue, noting that Lebanon was not part of the recently announced U.S.–Iran ceasefire arrangement.
The escalation comes at a sensitive moment, as regional tensions remain high following the conditional ceasefire between Iran and the United States, which included discussions on reopening the Strait of Hormuz for oil tanker traffic.
Iranian media later reported that oil tanker movement through the Strait of Hormuz had been halted again, citing Israel’s continued strikes in Lebanon, raising fresh concerns about global energy supply and regional stability. (Newswire)