The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) executed a significant coordinated strike against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon on April 8, targeting over 100 sites linked to the group. The operation, described as the largest of its kind since the onset of the current military campaign, has drawn international attention and condemnation.
According to the IDF, the assault was completed within ten minutes and involved strikes on command centers, intelligence facilities, and military bases located in Beirut, the Bekaa Valley, and southern Lebanon. The military claimed that these sites were used for planning attacks and included infrastructure responsible for missile launches.
Additionally, the IDF reported that elite units of Hezbollah were also targeted during the operation. The military stated that the strikes were based on precise intelligence gathered over several weeks.
However, the IDF acknowledged that many of the affected sites were situated in residential areas, leading to concerns about civilian casualties. The military accused Hezbollah of using civilians as human shields to protect its operations.
In response to the strikes, Lebanon’s Ministry of Health issued an urgent call for citizens to clear roads in Beirut for emergency vehicles. Reports indicated that 89 individuals were killed and around 700 injured as a result of the attacks, with 12 medical personnel among the deceased. Local reporters observed civilians using motorcycles to transport the wounded to hospitals due to a shortage of ambulances.
Dr. Elias Chlela, head of the Lebanese Medical Syndicate, urged all medical professionals to assist hospitals in need of help, highlighting a critical shortage of blood donations across the region.
Hezbollah sources revealed that the group ceased its attacks on Israeli targets following the strikes. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the Israeli actions, accusing the military of targeting densely populated areas and causing civilian casualties.
“While we welcomed the agreement between Iran and the U.S. and intensified our efforts for a ceasefire in Lebanon, Israel continues to escalate its attacks, showing no regard for regional and international efforts to halt the conflict,” Salam stated.
In Tehran, Iranian officials claimed that Israel’s actions violated the ceasefire agreement and warned of potential retaliatory measures. An unnamed Iranian official emphasized that the ceasefire applies to the entire region, asserting that Israel’s actions would not go unpunished.
Reports from Iranian media indicated that the government is preparing a response to Israel’s military actions. Additionally, the Fars news agency reported that the passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz had been halted in light of the recent strikes.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s office expressed support for U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to suspend strikes against Iran for two weeks, clarifying that this suspension does not extend to the conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon. This statement contrasts with comments made by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who indicated that the ceasefire would encompass Lebanon.
In a recent conversation, Trump confirmed that Lebanon was not included in the ceasefire agreement with Iran due to its association with Hezbollah. He assured that the situation would be managed accordingly.
Earlier, Trump announced a two-week suspension of military action against Iran, stating that the ceasefire would be reciprocal and that Iran’s ten-point proposal was acceptable for negotiations. He noted that the U.S. had achieved its military objectives and was progressing towards a long-term resolution with Iran.
The Iranian National Security Council confirmed the two-week ceasefire agreement, achieved through mediation by Pakistan, describing it as a victory for Iran and stating that discussions for a permanent agreement would take place in Islamabad.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s office reiterated support for Trump’s decision, contingent upon Iran immediately halting attacks on the U.S., Israel, and regional nations.
The Israeli military conducted a large-scale strike against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, resulting in significant casualties and prompting international reactions. The operation has raised concerns about civilian safety and has led to accusations against Israel regarding the targeting of populated areas.