As the United States and Iran prepare for negotiations in Pakistan this coming April 11, ‘Israel’ has continued a deadly bombardment campaign in Lebanon, raising fears that the fragile ceasefire could collapse.
Lebanese authorities say ‘Israeli’ strikes killed more than 300 people and injured at least 1,150 in a single day on Wednesday, April 8, marking one of the deadliest escalations since the truce was announced earlier this week.
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The attacks have placed severe strain on the country’s already fragile healthcare system. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of the World Health Organization, called on ‘Israel’ to withdraw evacuation orders affecting two major hospitals in the Beirut area, warning that medical services are struggling to cope with the influx of casualties.
Iran has sharply criticized the continued strikes, warning that they threaten ongoing diplomatic efforts. Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister, said it would be “dumb” for Washington to allow ‘Israeli’ Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to undermine negotiations.
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“If the US wishes to crater its economy by letting Netanyahu kill diplomacy, that would ultimately be its choice. We think that would be dumb but are prepared for it,” Araghchi said, suggesting that Iran could escalate its response if the attacks persist.
He also implied that Netanyahu’s domestic political pressures, including a pending corruption trial, may be influencing ‘Israel’’s decision to continue military operations.
Netanyahu’s criminal trial resumes on Sun. A region-wide ceasefire, incl in Lebanon, would hasten his jailing.
If the U S. wishes to crater its economy by letting Netanyahu kill diplomacy, that would ultimately be its choice. We think that would be dumb but are prepared for it.
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) April 9, 2026
‘Israel’, however, has signaled no intention of halting its campaign. Netanyahu said instructions had been issued to begin direct negotiations with Lebanon, while ‘Israeli’ officials indicated that military operations would continue despite diplomatic developments.
The dispute over whether Lebanon is covered by the ceasefire agreement has emerged as a key point of tension. While Iran and its allies argue that the truce should apply across the region, the US has denied that Lebanon was included in the original terms.
The continued violence has raised the possibility of broader escalation. Iranian officials have suggested that Tehran could respond militarily or take steps to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz if ‘Israeli’ attacks persist.
