Lebanon has declared a National Day of Mourning following a wave of Israeli airstrikes that have shaken a fragile ceasefire, less than 48 hours after it came into effect.
The truce, brokered between Washington and Tehran, was intended to pause hostilities for two weeks and pave the way for negotiations to end a conflict that has claimed thousands of lives across the Middle East and disrupted the global economy. However, tensions escalated rapidly as Israel launched its heaviest bombardment of neighbouring Lebanon on Wednesday, including strikes in densely populated areas of central Beirut.
According to Lebanon’s health ministry, at least 182 people were killed and nearly 900 others injured in the attacks.
The Lebanese prime minister’s office announced that Thursday would be observed as a National Day of Mourning, honouring victims described as “innocent, defenceless civilians”. Public institutions were ordered to close, and flags lowered to half-mast.
In response, Hezbollah said it had fired rockets towards Israel, accusing it of violating the US-Iran ceasefire agreement reached late Tuesday.
Israel, however, maintains that its military operations against Hezbollah fall outside the scope of the truce. This position has been echoed by US Vice President JD Vance, who stated that Lebanon was not included in the ceasefire terms.
“If Iran chooses to let negotiations collapse over Lebanon, that is ultimately their decision,” Vance said ahead of planned talks with Tehran.
Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf signalled growing frustration, warning that the basis for negotiations had already been undermined. He cited continued Israeli strikes in Lebanon, an alleged drone incursion into Iranian airspace, and disputes over uranium enrichment as key violations.
Further complicating the situation, a senior US official indicated that Iran’s proposed framework for talks differs from what had been agreed with the White House.
On the ground in Beirut, residents described scenes of panic and destruction as strikes hit without warning. Witness Ali Younes said people fled in all directions as smoke filled the sky.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, described the scale of the violence as “horrific”.
Lebanese authorities report that more than 1,700 people have been killed since Israel intensified its military campaign last month, which includes both airstrikes and a ground offensive.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have warned of further retaliation if Israeli attacks continue, while Hezbollah insists it reserves the right to respond.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel remains prepared to escalate its response against Iran if necessary, stressing that military objectives, including disarming Hezbollah, have not yet been achieved.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth also confirmed that American forces remain on standby amid fears of renewed escalation.
The heightened rhetoric comes ahead of critical talks expected in Pakistan, mediated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has urged all parties to respect the ceasefire to allow diplomacy to proceed.
Meanwhile, uncertainty surrounds activity in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route. Iran has announced alternative shipping routes amid concerns over possible sea mines, although it remains unclear whether vessels are currently being allowed safe passage.
Adding to concerns over the truce’s durability, Iranian state media reported fresh missile and drone strikes targeting US-aligned Gulf states, including Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
Despite the tensions, some calm has returned to Tehran, where residents reported quieter streets following days of anxiety over potential US military action.
International leaders, including those from Europe, Canada and the United Kingdom, have called for an urgent and lasting resolution to the conflict, while Pope Leo described the ceasefire as a moment of “real hope”.
However, deep divisions remain between Washington and Tehran, particularly over uranium enrichment, sanctions, and control of strategic waterways, casting doubt over the prospects for a sustained peace.