Israel Strikes Lebanon: 254 Dead as Hezbollah Fires Rockets Back

Deadliest Attack on Beirut

At least 254 people have been killed in Israeli strikes across Lebanon on Wednesday, with the capital Beirut suffering the highest casualty count of 91. Lebanon’s civil defence service confirmed the preliminary toll as rescue operations continued through the night. The strikes mark one of the single deadliest days since the conflict began on March 2.

Iran Claims Truce Breaches

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has alleged that three clauses of a proposed 10-point ceasefire plan stand “openly and clearly violated.” In a post on X, Ghalibaf argued that under such circumstances, pursuing a “bilateral ceasefire or negotiations” would be “unreasonable.” Tehran had proposed the plan involving Lebanon, a claim the White House has explicitly rejected.

Hezbollah Responds With Rockets

The Iran-backed militia said it fired rockets at northern Israel’s Manara settlement early Thursday. In a Telegram statement, Hezbollah said the attack directly responded to Israeli ceasefire violations. The group threatened to continue strikes until “Israeli-American aggression against Lebanon stops.” Israeli media reported intercepting at least one rocket launched from Lebanese territory.

Strait of Hormuz Restrictions Remain

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards navy has published a map showing alternative shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz. The advisory asks vessels to avoid potential naval mine collisions. Ships entering from the Sea of Oman must sail north of Larak Island, while outbound vessels should pass south of the island. Shippers said they need more clarity before resuming normal transit.

Lebanon Declares Mourning Day

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam declared Thursday a national day of mourning for “the martyrs and wounded of the Israeli attacks.” His office ordered the closure of public administrations and flags lowered to half-mast. Salam said he is mobilising “all of Lebanon’s political and diplomatic resources to stop the Israeli killing machine,” according to an official statement.

UN Warns Ceasefire at Risk

Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the 8 April strikes, citing hundreds of civilian casualties and infrastructure damage across Lebanon. He warned that continued military activity “poses a grave risk to the ceasefire” and stressed that “there is no military solution to the conflict.” Guterres urged all parties to return to negotiated terms immediately.

What Next for Regional Peace

US Vice President JD Vance will lead American negotiators at talks scheduled Saturday in Islamabad. The White House announced that Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will join Vance for the first round of discussions with Iranian officials. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel has delivered “the greatest blow” to Hezbollah since the ground operation began, adding that his government keeps “finger on trigger” to resume war any time. For latest news today on this developing story, follow this English news portal India for government updates and national and international news on the West Asia crisis.