Israeli warplanes launched powerful air strikes on the central and coastal areas of Beirut on Wednesday afternoon, hitting densely populated commercial and residential neighborhoods without warning, in what Lebanese officials and media described as the deadliest attack on the capital since the start of the final phase of the conflict. The raids targeted at least five neighborhoods, including the Corniche Al-Mazraa area. Explosions shook the streets, ambulances rushed through traffic, and charred cars were scattered in the areas hit by the bombing. Lebanese media, citing the Lebanese Red Cross, reported that the death toll could reach 300 people, in addition to a larger number of wounded. The Lebanese President’s Office condemned the attacks, describing them as a “new massacre” committed by Israel, and describing the strikes as “barbaric.” The attacks came just hours after the United States and Iran announced a two-week ceasefire in their direct conflict, which has witnessed intense exchanges over the past weeks. Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, quickly made clear that the truce did not extend to ongoing Israeli operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel confirmed that its campaign in Lebanon will continue, rejecting assurances from ceasefire mediator Pakistan that the agreement must include…
