Lebanon: In a significant escalation of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, Hezbollah has launched over 50 rockets targeting the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights. The attack on Wednesday struck several private homes, resulting in injuries and property damage. This incident occurred just a day after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken engaged in diplomatic efforts with Egypt and Qatar to negotiate a cease-fire in Gaza, amidst continued hostilities between Hamas and Israel.
Hamas has criticized the latest cease-fire proposal as a "reversal" of earlier agreements, accusing the US of supporting new demands from Israel. The US has yet to respond publicly to these claims.
On the ground in the Golan Heights, first responders reported treating a 30-year-old man for moderate shrapnel injuries. A residential building was set ablaze, but firefighters managed to prevent further damage by addressing a gas leak.
Hezbollah's rocket barrage was reportedly in retaliation for an Israeli airstrike on Lebanon the previous night, which resulted in one fatality and 19 injuries. This marked a sharp increase in tensions, as Hezbollah had already fired over 200 projectiles into Israel earlier on Tuesday following an Israeli strike on a Hezbollah weapons depot.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has intensified over the past 10 months, adding to the broader war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. This ongoing violence has claimed over 500 lives in Lebanon, including around 100 civilians, and resulted in the deaths of 23 Israeli soldiers and 26 civilians.
Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria during the 1967 Middle East war and subsequently annexed the territory, a move only recognized by the United States. The international community still regards the Golan Heights as occupied Syrian land.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has indicated a shift in focus from Gaza to the northern border with Lebanon. Speaking to troops in northern Israel, Gallant noted a reduction in Gaza operations while emphasizing the need to address Hezbollah's activities.
The fighting, which began shortly after Hamas' attack on October 7, continues to raise concerns about the potential for a wider regional conflict. Hezbollah has vowed to retaliate for previous Israeli strikes, further escalating the situation. On Tuesday, Hezbollah launched more than 120 projectiles into northern Israel, damaging homes and igniting fires, with Israel targeting the launch sites in response.
The ongoing violence underscores the fragile and volatile nature of the region's security situation, with both sides engaged in relentless exchanges.
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