The Israeli military conducted a massive wave of airstrikes across Lebanon, hitting 100 sites within just ten minutes. This operation, described by Israel as its largest coordinated attack, struck areas including south Lebanon, the Beqaa Valley, and central Beirut, resulting in hundreds of deaths and injuries. Hospitals were quickly overwhelmed, issuing urgent calls for blood donations. The attacks represent the deadliest day since fighting began on 2 March and add to the toll of more than 1,500 deaths and over a million displaced people already reported. Civilians, including children, health workers, and journalists, continue to bear the brunt of the violence.
Amnesty International has emphasized that Israel must uphold international humanitarian law, distinguishing between military and civilian targets and avoiding indiscriminate attacks. The recent warning that Hezbollah had repositioned to densely populated areas has raised fears of further civilian casualties. The use of explosive weapons with wide-area effects in residential neighborhoods threatens to escalate the humanitarian crisis, and continued violations could constitute serious breaches of international law. Amnesty International also called for an immediate halt to arms transfers to Israel, given the risk of further unlawful attacks.
Eyewitnesses described the devastation in Beirut as apocalyptic, with streets littered with bodies and blood, and countless wounded adults and children. Survivors reported chaos and fear, with people fleeing aimlessly to escape the attacks. Evacuation warnings had been issued for Beirut suburbs and other areas, yet strikes targeted residential neighborhoods and civilian infrastructure across multiple regions, including south and north Lebanon, Mount Lebanon, Bekaa, and central Beirut.
Since 2024, Amnesty International has documented Israel’s use of white phosphorus and indiscriminate explosions, as well as strikes on residential areas, journalists, health facilities, ambulances, and paramedics. These attacks have caused extensive damage to homes, civilian structures, and agricultural land. Hezbollah has also been documented firing unguided rockets into Israeli civilian areas, causing deaths and property destruction. The ongoing escalation highlights the urgent need for all parties to protect civilians and adhere to international humanitarian law to prevent further suffering.
