By Emmanuel M. Kangar, Jr.
Israel carried out one of its most powerful air assault campaigns on Lebanon since the conflict began, hitting more than 100 locations across the country in just 10 minutes on April 8. Lebanese health officials reported hundreds of civilians killed and many more wounded as hospitals were overwhelmed with casualties
The offensive came amid a fragile two‑week ceasefire agreed between the United States and Iran aimed at temporarily halting hostilities, including in the wider regional war involving Israel and Iran.
However, that truce does not extend to Lebanon’s conflict between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, U.S. President Donald Trump clarified, saying the situation in Lebanon is a “separate skirmish” and not part of the ceasefire deal
Iran has warned it could withdraw from the ceasefire agreement if Israel’s attacks on Lebanon continue, heightening fears that the temporary pause in fighting could unravel.
The escalating violence raises concerns about broader regional stability as diplomatic efforts to maintain the ceasefire face growing strain.
