Israel Launches Strikes on Lebanon Amid Disputes Over U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Inclusion

Israel launched a barrage of at least 100 strikes on Lebanon on Wednesday, targeting sites associated with Hezbollah in Beirut and other areas. The attacks killed 203 people and injured 890, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry. Rescue operations continued overnight in the capital, where strikes hit densely populated neighborhoods.

U.S. and Iran agreed to a ceasefire, which Iranian and Lebanese officials claim included Lebanon. U.S. Vice President JD Vance described the disagreement as a legitimate misunderstanding. Israel maintains that the truce does not cover its operations against Hezbollah.

Global leaders condemned the strikes on Thursday. British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper called the escalation deeply damaging and urged an end to hostilities. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot labeled the attacks intolerable and insisted Lebanon must be covered by the truce.

The strikes marked the deadliest day of the current conflict, with over 250 deaths in Lebanon since the ceasefire began, including 90 in Beirut, per the Lebanese Civil Defense Directorate.

More than one million people have been displaced since Israel's campaign started last month. A national day of mourning was declared in Lebanon on Thursday.

“— Adam Nsouli, nurse at American University Hospital in Beirut, Thursday (NBC News)”

Hospitals in Beirut treated numerous casualties, including orphaned children. Humanitarian workers reported blasts in civilian areas, exacerbating the crisis. Iranian officials vowed strong responses if attacks continue. Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated there is no room for denial on the ceasefire's scope.

Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh called the strikes a grave violation and messaged the U.S. that it cannot benefit from the truce while allowing the assaults.