Middle East latest: Israel hits Lebanon’s capital as EU urges it to accept ceasefire with Hezbollah

Israeli warplanes have struck the Lebanese capital of Beirut and its southern suburbs. It’s a sign Israel was aiming to inflict punishment on the militant group Hezbollah down to the last moments before any ceasefire takes hold. Lebanon’s Health Ministry said the Israeli strikes Tuesday killed at least three people and left 26 wounded in a crowded neighborhood near downtown. The European Union’s foreign policy chief said Tuesday there were “no excuses” for Israel to refuse to implement a ceasefire with the Hezbollah, saying all Israel’s security concerns had been addressed in the U.S.-French-brokered deal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security Cabinet was convening Tuesday to discuss a proposed ceasefire.