Israel launched a significant escalation of its conflict with Hezbollah on Wednesday, conducting surprise airstrikes across Lebanon, with Beirut experiencing its most intense bombardment of the war. The Lebanese health ministry reported dozens killed and hundreds wounded, with initial figures indicating at least 180 fatalities and over 890 injuries, a toll expected to rise. Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, stated the offensive targeted hundreds of Hezbollah members, marking a major blow to the group. These strikes occurred despite a two-week ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, Hezbollah's primary supporter, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserting that the campaign in Lebanon would continue, contradicting interpretations that the truce applied to the country.