‘Largest coordinated strike’ against Hezbollah since war began prompts warnings Iran could pull out of ceasefireMiddle East crisis – live updatesIsrael has carried out its largest attack on Lebanon since its war with Hezbollah began, killing at least 254 people and wounding 837, an assault that prompted Iranian officials to warn Tehran could withdraw from the ceasefire agreed with the US overnight.Warplanes levelled several buildings in the centre of Beirut, filling the skies with smoke in what Israel’s defence minister said was “a surprise strike” on the pro-Iranian group Hezbollah. Continue reading...
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At least 254 killed after Israel hits Lebanon with massive wave of airstrikes
The Guardian World
April 08, 2026
23:52 GMT
‘Largest coordinated strike’ against Hezbollah since war began prompts warnings Iran could pull out of ceasefire Middle East crisis – live updates Israel has carried out its largest attack on Lebanon since its war with Hezbollah began, killing at least 254 people and wounding 837, an assault that prompted Iranian officials to warn Tehran could withdraw from the ceasefire agreed with the US overnight. Warplanes levelled several buildings in the centre of Beirut, filling the skies with smoke in what Israel’s defence minister said was “a surprise strike” on the pro-Iranian group Hezbollah. Continue reading...
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Middle East crisis live: Red Cross ‘outraged’ as Israeli strikes on Lebanon kill at least 254; strait of Hormuz impasse continues
As Israel attacks on Lebanon continue, Abbas Araghchi points to announcement that says ceasefire includes Lebanon while JD Vance says US never promised that Middle East ceasefire in serious doubt as Israel assaults Lebanon and Iran blocks oil tankers Will shipping in the strait of Hormuz – and oil prices – return to normal? Oil prices have climbed and stocks fallen on fears over the nascent US-Iran ceasefire, after Israel launched a major bombardment of Lebanon. In past two hours, Hezbollah said it had fired rockets at northern Israel in response to “ceasefire violations”. Fears that the ceasefire could fall apart while crude remains stuck in Hormuz saw West Texas Intermediate oil jump around 3% Thursday, having plunged more than 16% the day before. Brent was up more than 2% following a 13% drop. Continue reading...
The Guardian World•Apr 09, 2026
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Australia ‘firmly believes’ Lebanon should be included in Middle East ceasefire as Israel escalates Beirut bombing
PM calls pause in hostilities a ‘fragile piece’ as Australia issues joint call with Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Jordan, Sierra Leone and UK for aid worker protections Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Australia says Lebanon must be included in the Middle East ceasefire and has led a group of other countries in expressing deep concern about “the worsening humanitarian situation and displacement crisis” as Israel escalates its bombing campaign on Beirut and the country’s south. Overnight, Israel carried out its largest attack on Lebanon since its war with Hezbollah began, killing at least 254 people and wounding 837, an assault that prompted Iranian officials to warn Tehran could withdraw from the ceasefire agreed with the US this week. Continue reading...
The Guardian World•Apr 09, 2026
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News live: Albanese outlines agreement to bring more fuel into Australia; $1m reward in NSW cold case
Follow updates live Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Shadow defence minister ‘reluctant’ to listen to Iran over Lebanon’s inclusion in ceasefire deal James Paterson, the shadow minister for defence, said he is “reluctant” to listen to Iran on whether or not Lebanon was included in a ceasefire deal announced yesterday as Israel continues to bombard the country. On the one hand, the United States and Israel say that the ceasefire did not include Lebanon, and on the other hand, the Islamic Republic of Iran is saying that it did include Lebanon. I am personally reluctant to endorse claims made by a country which has sponsored terrorist attacks on Australian soil. Australians are seeing what is happening in a number of countries in the Middle East and responding with compassion. We recognise this is a time when Australians are also doing it tough and we appreciate how they are recognising the depth of the humanitarian crisis and responding. Continue reading...
The Guardian World•Apr 09, 2026
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Trump vents frustation with Nato – as it happened
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