Israel Launches Deadly Strikes on Lebanon Hours After Iran Ceasefire Announced

Israel carried out massive airstrikes across Lebanon on Wednesday, hitting many locations in just 10 minutes, sparking international outrage and confusion over whether the newly announced ceasefire with Iran includes Lebanon.

The attacks killed at least 182 people and wounded nearly 900 others, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry. The strikes hit multiple areas including the capital Beirut, southern Lebanon, and the Beqaa Valley. The attacks tore through densely populated commercial and residential districts in central Beirut without warning, causing panic in the streets as people fled for safety.

The timing of the strikes has created significant controversy. Just hours earlier, the United States and Iran had announced a two-week ceasefire agreement. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the military would continue operations in Lebanon, claiming the ceasefire does not apply to the country's fight with Hezbollah.

US Vice President JD Vance told reporters that America "never made that promise" to include Lebanon in the ceasefire, calling it a "misunderstanding" by Iran. President Donald Trump also said Lebanon was "separate" and not part of the agreement. However, Pakistan, which helped broker the deal, said the ceasefire does include Lebanon.

The Israeli military called it the largest coordinated strike in the current war, striking more than 100 Hezbollah targets within 10 minutes. Israel claims the targets were Hezbollah command centers and military sites, though local officials and residents disputed this, saying civilian buildings were hit.

More than 1,530 people have been killed in Lebanon since the conflict began on March 2, and over one million people have been displaced. Many families who had begun packing to return home after hearing about the ceasefire were left devastated by the renewed violence.

The situation remains uncertain as international mediators work to clarify whether Lebanon is covered by the ceasefire agreement and prevent further violence.