On Thursday, Israel was seriously injured by a drone launched from Lebanon, escalating tensions in the region. The Israeli military confirmed that several drones from southern Lebanon infiltrated northern Israel, with Hezbollah claiming responsibility for attacking two Israeli military headquarters. Israeli media reported significant damage in the Al-Kabri area, and sirens blared in the Upper Galilee, signaling the infiltration of drones.
In retaliation, Israeli artillery bombarded the vicinity of the towns of Naqoura and Tayr Harfa in southern Lebanon, causing fires in forests and olive groves. The Lebanese News Agency reported phosphorous artillery shelling in the town of Alma al-Shaab, leading to explosions of interceptor missiles in the airspace of Mays al-Jabal. This exchange of bombardments has been ongoing since October 8, resulting in hundreds of casualties, predominantly on the Lebanese side.
Hezbollah leader Hasan Nasrallah stated that the militia would cease its border attacks if a ceasefire is achieved in Gaza, emphasizing that Hezbollah's actions are in support of the Gaza Strip. This comes amidst escalating violence between Tel Aviv and Hezbollah, with fears of an all-out war looming as the Israeli army prepares for a large-scale attack on Lebanon.
The Israeli army distributed leaflets in Gaza City, urging residents to evacuate to safer areas as the offensive against Hamas intensifies. The army confirmed an attack in Khan Younis, resulting in 29 deaths at a UNRWA school sheltering displaced Palestinians. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant claimed that 60% of Hamas fighters have been killed or wounded since the offensive began.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens as truckers wait for days to deliver aid, with many supplies at risk of spoiling. The closure of the Rafah crossing has exacerbated the situation, leading to hospital closures due to lack of supplies. Meanwhile, the Gaza Health Ministry reported over 38,000 deaths, with thousands more injured and trapped under rubble.
Negotiations for a ceasefire continue, with mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States working to broker a truce that would facilitate the exchange of hostages for prisoners. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed support for a deal, provided it allows for the resumption of military operations to achieve Israel's war objectives.
The conflict has also seen Hezbollah launching dozens of rockets at Israel in response to Israeli attacks in Lebanon and Syria. The border between Israel and Lebanon is experiencing its highest tension since 2006, with intense exchanges of fire. Additionally, Houthi rebels from Yemen and Iraqi militias have launched drone attacks on southern Israel, further complicating the regional security situation.
In the West Bank, Israeli forces killed a 13-year-old Palestinian boy, adding to the escalating violence in the region. The ongoing conflict has seen increased hostilities, with both sides suffering significant casualties and widespread destruction.
