Israel has intensified its military operations in Lebanon, targeting a high-ranking Hezbollah commander in Beirut. A new wave of airstrikes hit southern Lebanon, escalating the ongoing conflict. The recent attacks have resulted in over 600 deaths and forced hundreds of thousands to flee their homes, adding to the growing humanitarian crisis.
Hamas Condemns Israel’s Deadly Strike on Jabalia School as ‘Barbaric Attack’
Hamas has strongly condemned an Israeli airstrike on Jabalia’s Hafsa al-Faluja School in Gaza, which killed 15 people. The group described the attack as “a crime and a continuation of the genocide” against Palestinians.
The school, which serves as a refuge for Palestinian families displaced by the ongoing conflict, was struck, leaving dozens wounded. Hamas criticized the recent surge in attacks on civilian shelters and camps across Gaza, stating these actions demonstrate a deliberate targeting of civilians and “heinous massacres.”
Hamas called on the international community to intervene and halt what it described as “terrorism and grave violations of international and humanitarian laws.”
Israel’s military has been accused of repeatedly targeting schools used as shelters throughout its ongoing assault on the Gaza Strip, raising concerns about the safety of war-displaced civilians in the conflict zone.
Israel Vows to Continue Targeting Hezbollah, Says Defence Minister Yoav Gallant
Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant stated today that the Israeli military will persist in its strategic operations against Hezbollah, focusing on dismantling the group’s offensive capabilities. According to Gallant, the military aims to “eliminate Hezbollah terrorists, dismantle their offensive infrastructure, and destroy rockets and missiles.”
Gallant met with senior military officials to review and approve the “next set of operations,” emphasizing that Israel will continue to disrupt Hezbollah’s activities and “deepen their losses.”
“Our mission is clear,” Gallant said. “We are determined to ensure the safe return of Israel’s northern communities to their homes.”
Cross-Border Fighting Leads to Mass Displacement
The ongoing conflict, which began nearly a year ago due to the Gaza war, has resulted in significant displacement on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border. Around 70,000 residents in northern Israel have been forced to evacuate, while approximately 90,000 people in Lebanon have been displaced since Monday.
Israeli Air Force Prepares for Possible Ground Incursion into Lebanon, Says Air Force Commander
The Israeli Air Force is bracing for a potential ground invasion into Lebanon, Air Force Commander Tomer Bar announced on Thursday. The military is preparing to engage Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group, in the event that an order for ground maneuvers is given.
“We are standing shoulder to shoulder with the Northern Command, ready for ground maneuvers if necessary,” Bar stated. “Whether or not this happens is a decision above us, but we are fully prepared to strike Hezbollah from the air and the ground.”
The Israeli military’s primary objective remains to disrupt Hezbollah’s operations by preventing the transfer of weapons from Iran. Bar emphasized the importance of cutting off the group’s supply chain as a top priority.
“The confidence of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and his group’s ability to recover hinges on the continuous flow of weapons from Iran,” Bar noted.
Israel’s recent military actions, including airstrikes and explosions targeting Hezbollah operatives, have claimed the lives of several key figures, including elite commander Ibrahim Aqil.
Lebanese Residents Flee to Syria Amid Israeli Bombardment: Fear and Uncertainty Grips Thousands
Amid the ongoing Israeli bombardment, thousands of Lebanese residents are fleeing to Syria, seeking safety and refuge from the escalating violence.
Among those fleeing is 54-year-old Lebanese trader Ali Mohammed Ghosn, who was seen at a border crossing with his family. Ghosn, who regularly travels to Damascus for business, expressed disbelief at the circumstances.
“I never thought I’d come to Syria for this,” Ghosn stated. He and his family plan to stay temporarily with relatives in Damascus. “We won’t stay long. We’ll return after our victory over Israel.”
This mass exodus from Lebanon to Syria highlights the growing fear and uncertainty among residents as the conflict intensifies. Keep following our live updates for more on the developing situation.
Israel Secures $8.7 Billion in New U.S. Military Aid Despite Growing Opposition
In a significant development, Israel is set to receive an $8.7 billion military aid package from the United States. This comes amid rising concerns among American citizens, with over half now supporting restrictions on U.S. military assistance to Israel, according to recent polls.
Despite global calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, Washington continues to back Israel’s defense initiatives. The Israeli Defense Ministry confirmed on Thursday that the aid package will bolster Israel’s military operations.
Of the total amount, $3.5 billion has already been allocated for wartime procurement, while an additional $5.2 billion will go toward enhancing Israel’s air defense capabilities. This includes vital systems like the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and a new advanced laser defense system.
Stay tuned for further updates on the impact of this U.S. military support as the situation in the region unfolds.
Lebanon Reports Over 1,500 Casualties from Israeli Strikes Since October 2023
Lebanese authorities have confirmed that more than 1,540 people have been killed in Israeli attacks since the conflict escalated in October 2023. According to the latest report from the Disaster Risk Management Unit, the number of wounded has risen to 5,410, while 77,100 people have been displaced and are now taking shelter in approved facilities across the country as of Wednesday afternoon.
The report also highlighted that 565 public shelters have been set up to accommodate the displaced, including schools, vocational institutes, and agricultural centers.
