The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalated sharply yesterday as the Iran-backed militant group launched approximately 250 rockets and other projectiles into Israeli territory. The attacks, described as one of the group’s heaviest in months, resulted in injuries to seven individuals, with rockets reaching as far as the Tel Aviv area.
The escalation was in response to a series of Israeli airstrikes in Beirut, which have targeted Hezbollah strongholds. Among the casualties of these strikes was a Lebanese soldier, killed in an Israeli attack on an army center near Tyre. Lebanon’s military reported that 18 other soldiers were injured. The Israeli military expressed regret over the incident, stating the strike occurred during operations directed at Hezbollah militants in the area.
Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the airstrike, calling it an affront to ongoing international efforts to broker a ceasefire. Mikati described the attack as a “direct, bloody message” against the progress of negotiations aimed at halting the violence.
Sunday’s barrage of rockets marked a dramatic escalation in the conflict, with Hezbollah announcing that the attacks included missiles, drones, and advanced weaponry. Some of the rockets targeted the densely populated Tel Aviv region, while others reached the city of Petah Tikva. The aftermath included damaged vehicles, destroyed buildings, and widespread panic as air raid sirens wailed across central and northern Israel.
The Israeli military intercepted several projectiles but could not prevent the injuries caused by others. In Haifa, a rocket struck a residential building, leaving it at risk of collapse, while in Tel Aviv, explosions damaged homes and ignited fires. Medical services in Israel treated multiple victims, including a man in critical condition and a woman who suffered from smoke inhalation.
Meanwhile, the Palestine Red Crescent reported 13 injuries in the West Bank city of Tulkarem, where an interceptor missile struck several homes, causing burns, shrapnel wounds, and other injuries.
Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that Israeli airstrikes have killed more than 3,700 people and displaced approximately 1.2 million, a quarter of the country’s population. On the Israeli side, the conflict has resulted in the deaths of nearly 90 soldiers and 50 civilians, while 60,000 residents in northern Israel have been displaced.
The conflict, which reignited following Hamas’ attack on Israel in October 2023, has steadily intensified. Hezbollah initially launched its attacks in solidarity with Hamas, citing support for Palestinian resistance as its motivation. In September, the conflict expanded into full-scale warfare, with Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah command centers across Lebanon, including strikes that killed senior leaders.
Amid the growing violence, international mediators are pressing for a ceasefire. European Union diplomat Josep Borrell called for increased pressure on both sides to reach an agreement, stating that negotiations are at a critical juncture. However, he expressed skepticism over Israel’s commitment to finalizing a truce.
The proposed ceasefire agreement would involve the withdrawal of Hezbollah militants and Israeli troops from southern Lebanon and the establishment of patrols by Lebanese forces alongside U.N. peacekeepers. Despite these efforts, the path to peace remains uncertain, with both sides appearing entrenched in their positions.
The escalation highlights the broader regional tensions fueled by longstanding rivalries and international involvement. Hezbollah’s alliance with Iran and Israel’s partnership with Western powers continue to shape the conflict’s trajectory. As the violence persists, the toll on civilians and infrastructure deepens, further complicating efforts to end the hostilities.
The coming days will be crucial in determining whether international mediation can bring the warring sides to the negotiating table or whether the conflict will continue to spiral, with devastating consequences for the region.
Green = Israel
Orange = Lebanon
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