Israel has intensified its military operations in Gaza and Lebanon following the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, resulting in significant civilian casualties and raising fears of further regional escalation. The Gaza Health Ministry reported that 87 people were killed or missing after an Israeli airstrike on the northern Gaza town of Beit Lahiya, with over 40 wounded. This incident marks one of the highest single-day casualty tolls in recent months.
The Israeli military stated it was investigating reports of the incident but suggested that the casualty figures provided by Hamas media appeared exaggerated given the nature of the munitions used. The strike occurred during a major operation around Jabalia, just south of Beit Lahiya, where Israeli troops and tanks have been attempting to eliminate remaining Hamas fighters.
Simultaneously, Israel carried out heavy strikes on several locations in Beirut’s southern suburbs, targeting what it claimed were Hezbollah weapons storage facilities and an intelligence headquarters. These strikes have led to tens of thousands of people fleeing the area in recent weeks.
The conflict has expanded to include direct confrontations between Israel and Iran, with both sides exchanging missile attacks. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hezbollah of attempting to assassinate him and his wife with a drone attack on his holiday home in Caesarea, though he was not present at the time. Netanyahu vowed retaliation, stating, “Anyone who tries to harm Israel’s citizens will pay a heavy price.”
In Lebanon, Israeli strikes killed two people traveling on the main highway near Jounieh and at least four others in the Bekaa valley, including a local mayor. Hezbollah responded with rocket salvos into northern Israel, resulting in one death and at least nine injuries.
The ongoing conflict has had devastating humanitarian consequences. In Gaza, most of the 2.3 million residents have been displaced, facing widespread hunger and destruction of essential infrastructure. The Israeli offensive has resulted in over 42,500 Palestinian deaths since October 2023, according to Palestinian officials.
International efforts to broker a ceasefire and secure the release of remaining hostages have stalled. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to visit Israel as part of a regional tour to revive diplomatic efforts.
