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Dozens killed in Beirut as Israel launches intense strikes

Rescuers work at the site of an Israeli strike in Beirut. Reuters Rescuers work at the site of an Israeli strike in Beirut. Reuters
Rescuers work at the site of an Israeli strike in Beirut. Reuters

Beirut, Lebanon – Dozens of people have been killed and hundreds injured in Lebanon after Israel carried out its largest series of attacks since the current war began.

Lebanon’s Ministry of Health described the strikes on Beirut as “unprecedented in number and intensity,” with the Israeli military reporting 100 bombings in just 10 minutes. Hospitals in Beirut called for blood donations, off-duty doctors were asked to report for duty, and the public was urged to keep roads clear for emergency services.

The attacks targeted multiple densely populated areas of Beirut, including Barbour, Corniche Al Mazraa, Ain Al Mreisseh, and Burj Abi Haidar. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the assault as “barbaric,” saying, “Today, the Israeli entity is once again intensifying its aggression, perpetrating a new massacre that is added to its infamous record, in flagrant defiance of all human values and utterly disregarding all efforts aimed at de-escalation and stability.”

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The strikes came just hours after the United States and Iran announced a two-week ceasefire, which Israel declared did not cover Lebanon. Israel described the attacks as the largest concentrated strike on Hezbollah infrastructure since the war began, claiming to have hit more than 100 command centres and military sites.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the wave of attacks marked the most significant blow to Hezbollah since a September 2024 operation, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed that Lebanon was excluded from the ceasefire.

Hezbollah stated it would respect the ceasefire even if Israel excluded Lebanon, with leader Naim Qassem expected to clarify the group’s position before the latest Israeli strikes.

Powerful explosions were reported across Beirut’s southern suburbs and other previously untouched areas.

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