Israel launched additional airstrikes in Lebanon on Thursday, further endangering the Middle East ceasefire after its recent intense strikes resulted in over 300 casualties, as reported by Lebanon’s Health Ministry. The Health Ministry indicated that the death toll was expected to increase as rescue operations continued to recover bodies from the wreckage. The total toll since March 2 has reached 1,888 fatalities and over 6,000 injuries.
The escalating violence poses a threat to the truce between U.S. President Donald Trump and Iran. Hezbollah lawmaker Ali Fayyad stated that the group refused direct negotiations with Israel and insisted that the Lebanese government should demand a ceasefire as a prerequisite before any further actions are taken.
Following Fayyad’s remarks, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to initiate direct talks with Lebanon focusing on disarming Hezbollah and establishing peaceful relations between the two nations. Meanwhile, Iran’s negotiators were scheduled to depart for Pakistan for peace talks, where they were set to meet a U.S. delegation on Saturday.
Despite these diplomatic efforts, Iran maintained its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, leading to significant disruptions in global energy supplies and soaring oil prices. The situation pushed European and Asian refineries to pay record prices for oil, nearing $150 per barrel.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Lebanon, spurred by Israel’s efforts to dismantle Hezbollah, has raised questions about the applicability of the ceasefire announced by Trump. While Washington excluded Lebanon from the truce, Iran and Pakistan, acting as mediators, argued that Lebanon was part of the agreement. Multiple countries, including Canada, Britain, and France, called for the extension of the ceasefire to Lebanon.
Amid the turmoil, concerns arose about the depletion of medical supplies in Lebanese hospitals, particularly trauma kits, due to the surge in casualties. The World Health Organization warned that critical supplies were running low and emphasized the urgent need for additional resources to manage the increasing number of war-related injuries.
Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized the necessity of Lebanon’s inclusion in the ceasefire, underscoring the importance of restoring peace in the region. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand urged Israel and Hezbollah to implement a lasting ceasefire, condemning the indiscriminate attacks on civilians by both parties.
As the conflict persists, international condemnation of the military actions in Lebanon and Iran continues to mount, with Spain voicing strong disapproval of the Israeli strikes and the broader war, challenging the stance of the U.S. and Israel despite threats of repercussions against uncooperative allies.