Israel launches deadly strikes on Beirut, sparks panic despite Iran truce

Israel on Wednesday launched a series of heavy airstrikes on Beirut, triggering panic among residents in what has been described as the most intense assault on the Lebanese capital since the outbreak of hostilities with Hezbollah.

The Israeli military said the operation marked its “largest coordinated strike across Lebanon,” even as it maintained that the ongoing two-week truce with Iran does not extend to Lebanese territory.

According to eyewitness accounts, the strikes came without prior warning, sending residents fleeing for safety as explosions rocked key parts of the city. Motorists were seen honking frantically in a bid to escape the chaos, while thick smoke engulfed affected areas.

One of the strikes reportedly hit Corniche al-Mazraa, a major road in Beirut, leaving behind extensive destruction, including burning buildings and wrecked vehicles.

“I saw the blast, it was very strong, and there were children killed, some with their hands cut off,” said Yasser Abdallah, a shop worker in the area.

Another eyewitness, Ali Younes, described scenes of confusion and fear: “A plane struck, and people started running left and right, and smoke was billowing from the targeted building.”

Israeli forces also targeted Beirut’s southern suburbs and parts of southern Lebanon, areas known to be strongholds of Hezbollah, following evacuation warnings issued earlier. Strikes were also reported in eastern regions of the country.

Emergency responders, including ambulances, were heard rushing to the affected locations as rescue efforts intensified.

The latest escalation underscores the fragile nature of the regional ceasefire, raising fears of a broader conflict as tensions continue to spill beyond the Iran-Israel front.