BEIRUT April 8, 2026 (Agencies): Israel has launched a major wave of airstrikes on Lebanon, including its capital Beirut, killing hundreds and further destabilising a fragile ceasefire arrangement between Iran and the United States.
Lebanese civil defence authorities reported heavy casualties following what Israeli officials described as their “largest” attack so far in the ongoing escalation. The strikes come amid a two-week ceasefire framework announced earlier to pave the way for negotiations.
Tehran strongly condemned the attacks, calling them a “savage massacre,” while senior military officials, including commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, vowed retaliation, warning that the strikes constituted a violation of the ceasefire terms.
The ceasefire initiative, facilitated in part by Pakistan, had included provisions linked to regional de-escalation and maritime security around the Strait of Hormuz. However, disagreements over whether Lebanon was covered under the agreement have led to conflicting interpretations.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained that operations in southern Lebanon are not part of the ceasefire, while Iranian officials insist that halting hostilities in Lebanon was a key condition of the proposed framework.
US President Donald Trump described Iran’s proposal as a “workable basis” for negotiations but warned that further military action could follow if a comprehensive agreement is not reached within the stipulated timeframe.
Meanwhile, Russian officials welcomed the initial ceasefire announcement but expressed concern over renewed hostilities, highlighting the risk of wider regional escalation.
Diplomatic sources said the planned talks, expected to be hosted in Islamabad, now face uncertainty as violations and conflicting positions threaten to derail the fragile peace process.
Analysts warn that continued escalation in Lebanon could undermine broader efforts to stabilise the region, with the international community closely monitoring developments amid fears of a wider conflict.