Tel Aviv: The Israeli military is engaged in fierce operations on both its Lebanon and Gaza fronts, with the conflict intensifying into a deadly confrontation. Israeli forces clashed directly with Hezbollah militants on Lebanese soil in a face-to-face battle that has claimed the lives of eight Israeli soldiers, according to reports from local news agencies. Many others were injured during the skirmish, marking one of the deadliest engagements in the region’s recent history. Simultaneously, Israeli airstrikes pounded the Lebanese capital, Beirut, where nine civilians are reported dead.
Beirut Trembles Under Bombardment: Airstrikes Shake the City Overnight
The Lebanese capital of Beirut witnessed massive explosions throughout the night as Israeli airstrikes targeted key locations. According to an AFP correspondent reporting from the ground, a series of blasts reverberated across the city, shaking buildings and sending shockwaves that could be felt several kilometers away. The National News Agency of Lebanon reported that the Israeli military conducted at least 17 airstrikes overnight, with residents describing the smell of sulfur lingering in the air following the attacks.
Phosphorus Bomb Allegations Amid Growing Humanitarian Crisis
In a new escalation, Lebanon’s official news agency accused Israel of deploying banned phosphorus bombs during its raids, a charge that Israel has not addressed. The bombings have led to a massive displacement crisis, with thousands of Lebanese civilians fleeing southern Beirut and surrounding areas. Witnesses told the Associated Press (AP) that hundreds of displaced people were seen moving towards Syria in a desperate attempt to escape the violence.
Israeli Forces Strike Gaza: 51 Dead in Khan Younis
As the conflict expanded beyond Lebanon, Israeli forces launched a large-scale operation in Khan Younis, a city in the southern part of Gaza. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, the assault, which involved both air and ground forces, left 51 Palestinians dead and 82 injured. This was one of the most significant strikes in the region in recent months. As air raid sirens blared across Gaza, panic spread among the residents, with entire neighborhoods flattened by the dual offensives.
US Backs Israel but Urges Caution on Iran: Biden’s Balancing Act
In response to the escalating violence, US President Joe Biden reaffirmed America’s full support for Israel, yet he walked a diplomatic tightrope by withholding endorsement for any Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Biden’s measured tone comes amid heightened tensions between Israel and Iran, with Tehran warning of further retaliation if provoked.
Iran Fires 180 Missiles at Israel, Netanyahu Vows Retaliation
The conflict took a dangerous turn as Iran fired approximately 180 missiles toward Israel, a move Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi described as “self-defense.” The missile barrage further stoked fears of a broader regional war. In a stern response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Tehran had “made a grave mistake” and vowed that Israel would retaliate forcefully. Iran, in turn, threatened to escalate its response, setting the stage for a potential flashpoint in the ongoing crisis.
As the Middle East continues to spiral into chaos, the humanitarian toll rises, and the international community scrambles to de-escalate a situation threatening to engulf the entire region.
