Dubai, April 9: Iran’s parliament speaker warned Thursday that continued Israeli attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon would bring “explicit costs and STRONG responses.” Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf issued the warning in a message on X. He insisted, like other Iranian officials, the two-week ceasefire extended to Lebanon, something denied by both Israel and the U.S.
“Ceasefire violations carry explicit and STRONG responses,” he wrote. “Extinguish the fire immediately.” Qalibaf has been discussed as a possible negotiator who could meet U.S. Vice President JD Vance this weekend in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan.
200 killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon, officials say
Lebanon’s health ministry said Thursday that at least 203 people were killed in widespread Israeli strikes in central Beirut and other areas of Lebanon on Wednesday.
It said more than 1,000 were wounded.
The death toll Wednesday was the highest for a single day in Lebanon during more than five weeks of renewed war between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.
The Israeli military said it targeted Hezbollah sites. However, several of the buildings that were struck without warning during the afternoon rush hour were in densely-packed commercial and residential areas, leading to widespread civilian casualties.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called the strikes “barbaric.”
Lebanon searches for survivors after deadliest day
Lebanon faced its deadliest day in over five weeks of renewed conflict with Israel as strikes killed at least 203 people and injured more than 1,000, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.
Israeli attacks targeted Hezbollah sites but also hit crowded commercial and residential areas in Beirut, causing widespread civilian casualties.
Rescue workers continued searching for survivors, while hospitals struggled to treat the injured.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue strikes “with force, precision and determination,” claiming Hezbollah fighters were blending into civilian areas.
Lebanese leaders condemned the attacks, with President Joseph Aoun calling them “barbaric” and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam planning a UN complaint.
The war has displaced over a million people, including 200,000 fleeing into Syria, and prompted heightened security measures in Beirut.
Israel has also launched a ground invasion in the border region, while the main Lebanon-Syria crossing reopened after five days. (AP)
