Deepshikha Maan, Jadetimes Staff
D. Maan is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Israel Gaza War
Israel Conducts Strikes on Lebanon as Hezbollah Initiates Most Intense Attacks Since the Gaza Conflict
The Israeli military conducted significant airstrikes in southern Lebanon as Hezbollah executed their most profound missile assaults into Israel since the onset of the Gaza conflict. The strikes aimed targeting Hezbollah missile launchers, leading to a minimum of one fatality and multiple injuries, as reported by Lebanon’s health ministry. The UN has cautioned of an impending catastrophe as violence intensifies.
Escalating Hostilities and Rocket Attacks
On early Sunday morning, Hezbollah retaliated with a bombardment of approximately 140 missiles and drones targeting Israel’s Jezreel Valley. The Israeli military announced that hundreds of rockets were launched from Lebanon, with some reaching proximity to the northern city of Haifa. This round of attacks, unlike previous strikes that focused on military installations, targeted residential areas, heightening concerns of future escalation.
Effects on Non combatants and Infrastructure
Israel's Magen David Adom emergency agency reported four individuals hurt, including a 76 year old man near Haifa. In response, Israel's health ministry directed hospitals in the north to relocate operations to more secure locations, while civil defense authorities mandated the closure of all schools in the region.
Israel's Reaction and Alerts
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a grave admonition to Hezbollah, asserting that Israel will not endure assaults on its populace and vowing to reestablish security. Simultaneously, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant asserted that the fight with Hezbollah has transitioned into a "new phase."
The Expanding Influence of Hezbollah
The strikes ensue after Hezbollah's assassination of veteran commander Ibrahim Aqil and a series of assaults against Hezbollah operatives, escalating regional tensions. The battle, formerly confined in scope, now risks escalating into a full scale war, as both parties undertake progressively extreme measures.
Expanded Regional Engagement
The conflict extended beyond Lebanon, when a coalition of pro Iran armed organizations in Iraq asserted responsibility for a drone assault on Israel, indicating further regional engagement. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) verified the interception of many aerial targets originating from Iraq.
As both parties escalate their military operations, experts caution that the situation may deteriorate, potentially resulting in a more extensive battle.
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