Lebanon declared a national day of mourning on April 9, 2026, following Israeli airstrikes that killed 254 people and injured over 1,165 in Beirut and other densely populated areas. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the attacks as targeting "unarmed civilians," vowing intensified diplomatic efforts to halt hostilities.
The strikes occurred hours after a U.S.-Iran ceasefire took effect on April 8. While Israel claims the truce excludes Lebanon, mediator Pakistan insists it applies regionwide. Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri called the attacks a "full-fledged war crime," accusing Israel of violating international law.
Hezbollah retaliated with rocket fire into northern Israel, labeling the strikes "barbaric aggression." Senior Hezbollah lawmaker Ibrahim al-Moussawi stated the group had initially adhered to the ceasefire but accused Israel of breaching it. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted Lebanon remains outside ceasefire protections, pledging continued military action against Hezbollah.
The UN Security Council convened an emergency session amid growing international calls for de-escalation. Analysts warn the violence risks unraveling the fragile U.S.-Iran truce and destabilizing regional security frameworks.
