Israel Conducts Major Offensive Against Hezbollah in Lebanon

Israel has initiated a large-scale military operation against Hezbollah targets across Lebanon, coinciding with a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran. Israel's Defence Minister, Israel Katz, announced that the operation specifically aimed at eliminating hundreds of Hezbollah members at various command centres. Katz described the assault as the most substantial concentrated blow that Hezbollah has faced since Operation Beepers.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clarified that the ceasefire does not extend to Hezbollah, asserting that Israel is committed to addressing the threats posed by the group. Katz asserted that Israel has deliberately kept the fronts regarding Iran and Lebanon separate, stating, "We insisted on differentiating between the arenas of Iran and Lebanon in order to change the reality in Lebanon and remove threats from the residents of the north."

In the wake of Israel's airstrikes, the Lebanese health ministry reported that at least 112 individuals have died, with over 837 others injured. Among the casualties, 89 deaths and 700 injuries were noted from air raids that struck midday in Beirut.

Hezbollah has condemned the strikes, noting the attacks occurred in central Beirut without prior warning. The group stated that it retains its "natural and legal right to resist occupation and respond to its attacks." Meanwhile, Israel's Foreign Ministry has accused Lebanese authorities of failing to disarm Hezbollah and not taking adequate measures to prevent assaults on Israel.

Notably, the White House urged Iran to reopen the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz following Iran's announcement of its closure in response to Israel's military actions in Lebanon. President Donald Trump confirmed that Lebanon is not included in the US-Iran ceasefire agreement, attributing this situation to Hezbollah's influence but assured that the matter would "get taken care of."

Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit accused Israel of undermining the US-Iran ceasefire agreement and called for an immediate cessation of Israeli military actions in Lebanon, labelling the attacks a breach of international law. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun characterised Israel's actions as "barbaric," attributing complete responsibility for the ongoing aggression and warning that it would lead to further instability in the region.

Reports from Iranian sources indicate that Tehran will reassess its position on the ceasefire if Israel continues its military operations in Lebanon. Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, called for restraint among all involved parties, highlighting the necessity of diplomacy for resolving the conflict.

The United Nations, through Special Coordinator Jeanine Hennis, emphasised that ongoing violence is unsustainable and urged both sides to halt hostilities and engage in direct negotiations based on United Nations Resolution 1701, which was aimed at establishing peace and stability in the region.

Despite efforts for de-escalation, Israel's military spokesperson Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani reported a significant scale of operations against Hezbollah, indicating that 50 fighter jets were deployed, resulting in substantial damage inflicted over a short period. The airstrikes targeted varied locations, including residential areas, commercial buildings, and critical infrastructure in densely populated regions such as central Beirut.

Rescue operations continue in the aftermath, with numerous emergency teams working to clear debris and assist victims. The full extent of casualties and damage is still being assessed, with reports of burned vehicles and flattened buildings emerging from affected areas. The situation remains highly volatile as regional leaders call for restraint and a renewed focus on diplomatic solutions amidst rising tensions.