Ceasefire cracks as Israel’s deadly strikes on Lebanon kill hundreds

Just hours after a two‑week ceasefire between the United States and Iran was declared, with significant involvement from Pakistan, it showed signs of collapse as IDF launched some of its heaviest strikes yet on Lebanon. 

According to reports, the wave of air attacks, the deadliest in recent weeks, killed at least 254 people, including civilians, and wounded many more in cities such as Beirut and across southern and eastern regions.

Moreover, the bombardment, which involved strikes on more than 100 targets in a short period, raised questions about the ceasefire’s scope and durability. 

Meanwhile, Israeli officials have claimed that the truce with Iran does not cover the ongoing campaign against the Iran‑aligned Hezbollah in Lebanon, where attacks have continued.

Iran, however, condemned the offensive, linking the attacks to violations of the ceasefire and warning of severe responses should hostilities persist. 

Furthermore, Iran reimposed restrictions on traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy chokepoint, further underscoring the tense regional dynamics.

US officials reiterated that the temporary ceasefire is focused on US‑Iran hostilities and does not extend to Israel’s separate conflict with Hezbollah, a position that has contributed to disagreements over the truce’s reach.

The strikes on Lebanon have complicated plans for further negotiations, with diplomatic efforts now centered on whether the ceasefire can be sustained and expanded amid continued attacks, creating deep mistrust among the parties.