Lebanon Declares Day Of Mourning After Deadly Israeli Attacks

By Nur Atiq Maisarah Suhaimi

KUALA LUMPUR, April 9 (Bernama) -- Lebanon has declared a national day of mourning on Thursday, April 9 following Israeli attacks that killed hundreds and left many more injured.

Media reports said Israeli strikes hit densely populated commercial and residential areas in central Beirut, killing hundreds and wounding more than 1,000, just hours after the United States (US) and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire.

Lebanon Ambassador to Malaysia Maher Kheir said preliminary reports indicated more than 250 people were killed and over 1,000 injured, describing the incident as among the most severe attacks since the beginning of the current escalation.

“These attacks have caused widespread destruction across several regions of Lebanon, overwhelming medical facilities and exacerbating the humanitarian situation on the ground,” he said in a statement to Bernama.

Extending appreciation to Malaysia for its support, Kheir said: “On this solemn occasion, the Embassy of Lebanon would like to express its sincere appreciation to Malaysia for its condemnation of these tragic events and its solidarity with the Lebanese people.”

The US and Iran on April 8 agreed to a two-week ceasefire after 40 days of intense hostilities that also spread to the Gulf states, Jordan, Iraq and Lebanon.

According to reports, Iran has demanded that the ceasefire include a halt to attacks on Lebanon, but Israel has said that the truce does not cover the Lebanese front.

-- BERNAMA