Israeli strikes kill hundreds in Beirut as Iran ceasefire begins

Israeli forces launched a large-scale coordinated assault on Beirut and surrounding areas Wednesday, striking over 100 sites linked to Hezbollah across Lebanon within minutes, according to the Israeli military.

The attacks occurred on the first day of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran that was agreed overnight. The strikes targeted commercial zones, residential areas, and the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital. Crowded shopping districts along the Mazraa corniche, one of Beirut's busiest thoroughfares, were among the areas hit. At least five neighborhoods across the capital sustained damage, with dense columns of black smoke rising from multiple locations.

Casualties mounted rapidly. Lebanon's civil protection authorities reported at least 254 deaths and 1,165 wounded. Earlier reports indicated at least 89 people killed and 722 wounded. Ambulances with sirens blaring moved through the streets as emergency teams worked to assist the injured and retrieve those trapped in rubble.

The Israeli military described the operation as the largest coordinated attack since the beginning of hostilities with Iran. Officials said the strikes targeted Hezbollah positions throughout the country.

Residents inspected damage among debris and smoke, with scenes showing burned-out vehicles, buildings engulfed in flames, and widespread destruction across affected neighborhoods. The Health Ministry called for roads to be cleared to facilitate rescue and medical operations.

The timing of the assault coincided with the start of the Iran ceasefire, which appeared unstable from its outset. Iran announced a new closure of the Strait of Hormuz on the same day.

In an exclusive interview with PBS, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that Lebanon was not included in the ceasefire agreement with Iran "because of Hezbollah."