At least 46 people were killed and 85 injured in Israeli strikes across Lebanon on Wednesday, Lebanon’s Ministry of Health reported, as regional tensions soared following Iran’s missile attack on Israel.
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) announced a “targeted” airstrike on a Beirut suburb just before midnight. Earlier, an Israeli strike in Damascus killed three people, including relatives of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati called for an immediate ceasefire, citing the displacement of nearly 1.2 million people due to Israeli attacks.
“Stop the fighting. No more bloodshed. No more destruction,” Mikati said during an online event organised by ATFL (American Task Force on Lebanon).
He proposed deploying 10,000 Lebanese soldiers for both Lebanon’s and Israel’s benefit to the country’s south, if a ceasefire is reached.
In Doha, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated Iran “does not seek war” but warned of a “stronger response” should Israel retaliate for the recent missile attack.
Tehran claims 90% of its missiles hit their targets, while Israel reports successful interceptions with minimal damage.
U.S. and Israeli officials told CNN that recent strikes on Israel have destroyed about 50% of Hezbollah’s arsenal, including various missile types. Officials described Hezbollah as “decapitated” following operations targeting its leadership.
Read more:
