Hezbollah Launches Major Rocket Offensive Against Israel
In a significant escalation of hostilities, Hezbollah launched its largest missile attack on Israel since the onset of direct confrontations in late September. The attack, which began on Sunday, involved the firing of approximately 350 rockets targeting various regions, including Greater Tel Aviv. Israeli air defenses intercepted many of these projectiles, yet the assault resulted in injuries to at least 15 individuals, with reports of direct hits causing fires in cities such as Nahariya and Haifa. The Israeli military confirmed that sirens were activated across numerous locations, prompting four million residents to seek shelter in fortified rooms.
In response to the missile barrage, Israeli warplanes intensified airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in the southern suburbs of Beirut, targeting military headquarters and residential areas. The Lebanese National News Agency reported extensive damage, including the destruction of two residential buildings in the Kafaat area. The Lebanese Ministry of Health reported a grim toll of 58 fatalities and numerous injuries from the Israeli airstrikes, with significant casualties occurring in Beirut and the Bekaa region.
Ongoing Clashes and Regional Tensions
As the conflict escalates, ground battles continue between Hezbollah fighters and Israeli forces, particularly in the town of Khiam. For the seventh consecutive day, clashes have erupted, with Hezbollah claiming to have targeted Israeli troop gatherings and destroyed several tanks. The Israeli military, on the other hand, stated that it has conducted operations against approximately 150 targets in southern Lebanon, claiming to have eliminated numerous militants and dismantled Hezbollah's operational capabilities.
The situation has prompted the Lebanese government to suspend in-person education in Beirut and surrounding areas, transitioning to distance learning due to the dangerous conditions. The ongoing violence follows a recent visit by US envoy Amos Hochstein, aimed at negotiating a ceasefire, but the conflict shows no signs of abating as both sides continue to engage in aggressive military actions.
