BEIRUT/JERUSALEM, April 8 (Xinhua) -- Israeli warplanes launched a series of airstrikes across Lebanon on Wednesday, hitting multiple regions, including densely populated neighborhoods in the capital, Beirut, according to preliminary reports.

The strikes caused a large number of casualties, though official figures have not yet been released. Civil defense teams are searching through damaged buildings and assisting the wounded as rescue operations continue.

Hospitals across Beirut and surrounding areas issued urgent appeals for blood donations of all types. Medical staff warned that supplies are rapidly running out amid the growing number of injured civilians.

Hundreds of people were killed or injured in Wednesday's airstrikes, Health Minister Rakan Nassereddine said.

Following the attacks, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam called on the country's allies to help stop the strikes "by all available means," stressing the urgency of international support to restore calm.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun also urged the international community to act, saying the repeated attacks demonstrate a disregard for international law and agreements. He accused Israel of violating ceasefire commitments repeatedly over the past 15 months.

The Israeli military said the strikes were part of a new operation, dubbed "Eternal Darkness." It said the campaign aims to target Hezbollah command and control centers in southern and eastern Lebanon, as well as in Beirut.

A two-week ceasefire was announced early Wednesday by the United States and Iran. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would comply with the truce but would continue military operations in Lebanon. ■