Hizbullah, Israel Escalate Cross-Border Conflict Following Hamas Leader’s Killing
Israel and the Lebanon-based armed group Hizbullah exchanged heavy fire on Saturday. This surge in violence follows the assassination of a top Hamas leader, Saleh al-Arouri, in Beirut, allegedly by Israel, prompting Hizbullah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah to vow retaliation.
The US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, launched a Middle East diplomatic tour Saturday to address the rising tensions. Concurrently, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, emphasized the importance of preventing Lebanon from being drawn into a larger regional conflict during his visit to Beirut.
Hizbullah claimed responsibility for launching 62 rockets toward an Israeli air surveillance base on Mount Meron, asserting that this was an initial response to the killing of Saleh Arouri, Hamas’ deputy political leader. The Israeli military reported about 40 rockets fired and targeted Hizbullah positions in response. Hizbullah confirmed six fatalities among its fighters, increasing the death toll to 150 since the conflict’s onset.
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Israeli airstrikes reached Kouthariyeh al-Siyad in southern Lebanon, marking a rare occurrence of strikes deep inside Lebanese territory. Lebanese state media reported casualties and additional shelling in border areas. Meanwhile, the Islamic Group in Lebanon, allied with Hamas, claimed responsibility for rocket attacks on the Israeli city of Kiryat Shmona.
The ongoing war in Gaza, triggered by a Hamas attack, has led to significant civilian casualties and abductions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his commitment to the military campaign until Hamas is neutralized and Israeli hostages are returned.
The Gaza Health Ministry reported 122 Palestinian deaths in the last 24 hours, with the total reaching 22,722 since the war began. The mounting civilian death toll has attracted international scrutiny, with calls for Israel to minimize civilian harm.
Secretary Blinken’s diplomatic efforts involve discussions with regional powers to de-escalate tensions and potentially contribute to postwar reconstruction in Gaza. This tour includes stops in Turkey, Greece, Jordan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Israel, the West Bank, and Egypt.
