The death toll from Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon has risen to 16, including militants and paramedics, as reported by Lebanese state media and militant organizations. In retaliation, Lebanese militant group Hezbollah launched a barrage of rockets into northern Israel, resulting in the death of one individual. International mediators are working to prevent a full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah amidst escalating violence along the Lebanon-Israel border.
Hezbollah has been firing rockets into Israel since October 8, following a Hamas-led incursion into southern Israel that sparked conflict in Gaza. The toll in Gaza stands at over 32,000 dead and 74,000 wounded, with a significant number being women and children.
Recent Developments
- Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon kill 16, while militant rockets claim one Israeli life
- Talks resume on bringing Israeli officials to the US to discuss Gaza operation
- Doctors express shock at the impact of the conflict on Palestinian children
- US imposes sanctions on online media site Gaza Now for alleged Hamas support
- Residents near Israel's border villages contemplate return amid ongoing violence
For more news coverage, visit AP's Israel-Hamas War Hub.
Violence Erupts in West Bank and Gaza
An attacker wounded three individuals in the West Bank by opening fire on vehicles along a main route. Tensions have escalated in the West Bank since the Gaza conflict began, leading to increased Israeli military raids and a rise in Palestinian shooting attacks. Approximately 3,600 Palestinians have been arrested in the West Bank, with over 450 killed and 4,700 wounded since early October.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Amid intense military activity, Al Amal Hospital in southern Gaza has closed, leaving only 12 hospitals operational in the territory. The closure has exacerbated the dire situation, with hospitals struggling to provide essential services and facing shortages of food, water, and sanitation supplies. The UN reports that 70% of northern Gaza's population is facing severe hunger due to limited aid delivery caused by ongoing fighting and access constraints.
Hezbollah and Israeli Strikes in Lebanon
Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed nine people, including paramedics responding to the initial strike. Hezbollah retaliated by firing rockets into northern Israel, resulting in one fatality. The violence has claimed the lives of nearly 240 Hezbollah fighters and around 40 civilians in Lebanon, with nine civilians and 11 soldiers killed in Israel.
Hamas Calls for Liberation of Al-Aqsa Mosque
In a rare recording, the head of Hamas' military wing urged Muslims worldwide to join in liberating Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque. The message underscores the ongoing struggle between Hamas and Israel, with Hamas leader Mohammed Deif calling for action to protect the holy site.
Israeli Prime Minister Addresses Humanitarian Concerns in Gaza
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reassured US officials that civilians in Rafah, Gaza's southern city, could relocate to safer areas if a planned ground invasion occurs. The proposed offensive aims to eliminate Hamas fighters in Rafah but has raised concerns about a potential humanitarian crisis due to the city's dense population and limited access to aid.
Netanyahu emphasized Israel's determination to act independently if necessary, despite calls for a credible plan to evacuate civilians from Rafah. The military intends to direct civilians to designated safe zones in central Gaza ahead of the operation.
