Hezbollah Retaliates With Rocket Barrage On Northern Israel

Students of Dar Al Aytam Al Islamiya, the Social Welfare Institutions, hold placards and Lebanese flags during a protest to show support for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, in front of the headquarter

Lebanon's Hezbollah launched a significant rocket attack into northern Israel on Wednesday in response to the killing of a top commander, escalating tensions in the region. The attack coincided with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to push for a cease-fire proposal in Gaza, which has not been fully embraced by Israel or Hamas.

Hezbollah, backed by Iran and allied with Hamas, has been engaged in daily exchanges of fire with Israel since the 8-month-long conflict began. The group insists on a truce in Gaza as a condition to cease hostilities, raising concerns of a broader regional conflict.

About 160 projectiles were fired from southern Lebanon into northern Israel, marking one of the largest attacks since the conflict started. Air raid sirens blared across the region, but there were no immediate reports of casualties.

Escalation of tensions following killing of top commander.

Hezbollah's significant rocket attack from Lebanon into Israel.

Daily exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and Israel.

Hezbollah demands truce in Gaza for cease-fire.

No immediate casualties reported in the rocket attack.

Hezbollah targets military bases in retaliation.

Over 400 deaths in Lebanon, 85 casualties in Israel.

Hezbollah retaliated by targeting two military bases following the killing of senior commander Taleb Sami Abdullah, known as Hajj Abu Taleb. Abdullah played a significant role in the Lebanon-Israel front and had a history of anti-Israel activities dating back to the occupation of southern Lebanon.

The conflict has resulted in over 400 deaths in Lebanon, mostly Hezbollah members, and over 85 casualties in Israel. Other Iran-aligned groups in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen have also targeted Israeli and U.S. interests, contributing to escalating tensions in the region.

The U.S.-backed cease-fire proposal, supported by the U.N. Security Council, aims to end the Gaza conflict and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. While Hamas has expressed general support, it seeks amendments for a permanent cease-fire and complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

Efforts to negotiate the terms of the proposal continue, with Blinken visiting Qatar to advance discussions. The plan outlines a phased approach involving a cease-fire, humanitarian aid distribution, hostage release, and long-term reconstruction in Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces pressure from both allies and the public to accept the proposal, despite internal opposition. Thousands of Israelis have rallied in support of the plan, emphasizing the urgency of resolving the conflict and securing the release of hostages.

For more updates on the Gaza conflict, visit AP's coverage.