Israel on Wednesday carried out its largest strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon since the war began, hitting targets across the country despite a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran.
According to the Israeli military, around 50 fighter jets dropped nearly 160 bombs on about 100 targets within just 10 minutes. The strikes were carried out across Beirut, the Beqaa Valley and southern Lebanon, in what the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) called as a major coordinated operation, The Times of Israel reported.
The IDF said the targets included Hezbollah command centres, intelligence headquarters and offices used to plan attacks on Israeli troops and civilians. It also struck infrastructure linked to the group’s rocket and naval units, as well as assets belonging to its elite Radwan Force and aerial unit.
“This is the largest attack carried out against Hezbollah’s infrastructures since the start of Operation Roaring Lion,” the IDF said, adding that many of the sites were located “within the heart of the civilian population,” accusing Hezbollah of using civilians as human shields.
Israel’s military chief, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, said the strikes would continue. “We will not compromise the security of the residents of northern Israel. We will continue to strike with determination,” he said.
Lebanon’s Health Minister Rakan Nassereddine told Aljazeera that at least 89 people had been killed, with the toll expected to rise as rescue teams search through rubble. He called the situation as a “dangerous escalation”, with more than 100 air strikes hitting several regions, including Beirut and the south.
The minister also accused Israel of targeting hospitals, medical centres and ambulances during the attacks.
Israel has maintained that Lebanon is not covered under the ceasefire agreed between Washington and Tehran.
(With inputs from agencies)
