Israeli warplanes launched a series of airstrikes across Lebanon on Wednesday, with densely populated neighborhoods in the capital, Beirut, among the hardest hit.
According to local media, the latest data provided by the Lebanese Civil Defense showed that Israel's massive airstrikes across Lebanon on Wednesday have killed at least 254 people and injured 1,165 so far.
Footage taken by a China Media Group (CMG) reporter in Beirut showed thick smoke billowing from densely packed buildings in the Lebanese capital after the attack.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a statement saying that it conducted a large-scale airstrike in multiple locations in Lebanon on Wednesday, targeting more than 100 Hezbollah command centers and military targets.
The IDF also mentioned that this is the largest strike since the start of the US-Israel war on Iran.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Wednesday strongly condemned Israel's airstrikes against Lebanon, saying that Israel has repeatedly violated international law and committed another act of genocide.
Aoun said Israel was blatantly violating all humanitarian principles and undermined efforts to achieve peace and stability, and Israel should bear full responsibility for the consequences of its actions.
Aoun also called on the international community to take action to curb Israel's aggressive behavior that threatens regional security.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said that Lebanon welcomes the ceasefire agreement between Iran and the United States, but Israel has continued to escalate its attacks, causing civilian casualties in Lebanon.
Salam also called on the international community to use all feasible measures to stop Israeli attacks.
Israeli airstrikes kill at least 254 across Lebanon, wounding over 1,100: local media
Israeli airstrikes kill at least 89 across Lebanon, wounding over 700: Lebanese minister
Residents in the Iranian capital Tehran have welcomed the ceasefire agreement reached with the United States, but also voiced concerns over how long it might hold.
After some 40 days of deadly clashes, the United States and Iran on Wednesday agreed to a two-week ceasefire, and committed to begin a new round of peace consultations in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, on Friday.
On Wednesday afternoon, the number of vehicles and pedestrians in Tehran had increased significantly from previous days, and many shops that had been closed during the war were gradually reopening.
Tehran residents said they hoped that the ceasefire will hold and peace and stability will be restored.
"I am truly pleased to see so many people on the streets. The number of people is two to three times that of the previous days, which really makes me happy," said resident Hesam.
Many Iranians said that they support any action that serves Iran's national interests, but said they do not trust the U.S. as a negotiating partner following previous rounds of talks.
"A ceasefire is a good thing as long as it serves the interests of the Iranian people. However, we have already negotiated with the United States several times without reaching an agreement. If a ceasefire is merely a continuation of these fruitless negotiations, then it is meaningless. But we must continue negotiations so that the other side understands Iran's specific demands. All the terms proposed by Iran should be implemented; only under these circumstances will a ceasefire be a good thing," said Jafar.
The United Nations Security Council on Tuesday failed to adopt a draft resolution on the Strait of Hormuz. Eleven members of the Security Council voted in favor of the draft resolution, China and Russia voted against it, while Colombia and Pakistan abstained.
Ibrahim, a Tehran resident, said that China's action reflected its image as a responsible major power.
"It is a very good thing if a powerful country can play its role in the Middle East situation, and a major country like China has made its voice heard," he said.
Tehran residents welcome ceasefire with U.S. but concerns remain
