Israel Continues Strikes on Lebanon for Second Day as Casualties Mount

Israel Continues Strikes on Lebanon for Second Day as Casualties Mount
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Israeli airstrikes continued across Lebanon for a second consecutive day on Thursday, targeting Beirut and southern regions, following one of the deadliest waves of bombardment in the country in recent weeks.

The escalation comes after massive strikes on Wednesday, during which Israeli forces carried out more than 100 air raids within minutes, hitting Beirut, the Bekaa Valley, and southern Lebanon. Lebanese health authorities reported that at least 250 people were killed and more than 1,100 wounded, with some estimates placing the death toll above 300.

On Thursday, additional strikes were reported in southern Lebanon, including areas near Tyre, as well as continued pressure on Beirut’s southern suburbs. The renewed attacks triggered panic among civilians and forced many residents to flee affected areas.

The large-scale assault on Wednesday has been described as one of the most intense bombardments of Beirut in recent years, with strikes hitting densely populated residential neighborhoods and causing widespread destruction to buildings and infrastructure.

Israel said the strikes targeted Hezbollah-affiliated sites, including command centers and military infrastructure, while Lebanese officials and international observers reported significant civilian casualties.

The escalation has also raised tensions at the regional level. Iran and several countries condemned the attacks, warning they could undermine the fragile ceasefire linked to the broader U.S.–Iran conflict, while international calls for restraint and protection of civilians have intensified.

Despite diplomatic efforts, Israeli officials have indicated that operations against Hezbollah will continue, stating that current ceasefire arrangements do not extend to Lebanon.