Lebanon deaths rise to 182 after Israeli strikes amid ceasefire confusion

BEIRUT – Israeli airstrikes on Wednesday tore through central Beirut and other areas of Lebanon, resulting in at least 182 confirmed deaths and 890 wounded, according to Lebanese health officials. The strikes, described as the largest in over a month of conflict, hit busy commercial and residential zones, some without warning.

The day's violence unfolded in the shadow of a recently announced U.S.-Iran ceasefire, a deal whose applicability to Lebanon became a point of contention. The Israeli military stated it targeted missile launchers, command centers, and intelligence infrastructure, asserting it had killed hundreds of Hezbollah fighters. Hezbollah, in turn, claimed to have fired rockets into northern Israel early Thursday, framing it as a response to perceived "ceasefire violations" by Israel, marking their first such action since the U.S.-Iran agreement.

Officials in the United States indicated that Lebanon was not part of the ceasefire agreement with Iran. However, Iran has issued warnings of a "regret-inducing response" if Israeli attacks on Lebanon persist. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged continued operations against Hezbollah, reportedly denying prior notification of the ceasefire deal.

The intensified Israeli strikes came hours after the announcement of a two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran. Hezbollah-affiliated Al Mayadeen television reported continued Israeli Air Force strikes in the southern Beirut neighborhood of Dahiyeh.

Reports from Iran suggest a significant human toll within its borders since the conflict's inception on February 28th, with Iranian media citing the country's Forensic Medicine Organisation chief Abbas Masjedi Arani claiming over 3,000 fatalities. Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) provides figures of 1,701 civilian deaths, including 254 children.

Peace talks are slated to commence in Pakistan on Saturday, with U.S. Vice President JD Vance expected to lead the American delegation. Meanwhile, reports emerged of an oil refinery on Iran's Lavan Island coming under attack. Discussions regarding Iran potentially mining the Strait of Hormuz have also surfaced following a warning from former President Trump.

"The Israeli attacks on Lebanon were a 'grave violation' of the U.S.-Iran ceasefire deal," stated an Iranian minister to the BBC.

The ongoing conflict sees Hezbollah frequently launching rockets and drones into northern Israel, while also confronting Israeli troops on the ground in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah maintains significant support among Lebanon's Shia population. Israel's response has included widespread bombardment and a ground invasion of Lebanon. The U.S. has stated its intention to work with Iran on matters of buried enriched uranium, though this has not been confirmed by Iran.