Israeli jets struck southern Lebanon and Beirut's southern suburbs on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of at least 21 people, including a city mayor, as reported by Lebanese officials. The strikes were in response to an Israeli airstrike on an apartment building in northern Lebanon that killed at least 22 people. Hezbollah has vowed to increase attacks on Israel in retaliation, prompting calls for an independent investigation by the United Nations.
Israel has intensified its campaign against Hezbollah following ongoing cross-border exchanges of fire. The conflict has escalated, with casualties on both sides and significant destruction in Gaza and northern Gaza. The U.S. administration has urged Israel to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza within 30 days or risk losing American weapons funding.
In the U.K., there are discussions about imposing sanctions on two ultranationalist Israeli Cabinet ministers for their comments on the situation in Gaza and the West Bank. The U.N. Security Council has been called to address the dire humanitarian situation in northern Gaza.
Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister has accused Israel of deliberately targeting a meeting in Nabatiyeh, resulting in civilian casualties. The U.N. has called for an immediate cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah to prevent further civilian harm.
Meanwhile, the head of the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees has emphasized the importance of international media access to Gaza to provide accurate reporting on the conflict. Iran's President has urged Muslim countries to unite against Israel, condemning Israeli actions in Gaza and Lebanon.
Israeli authorities have arrested a man allegedly involved in an Iranian plot to assassinate an Israeli scientist, highlighting the ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran. The shadow war between the two countries has escalated in recent months, with multiple foiled plots involving Israeli individuals recruited by Iran.
The situation in the Middle East remains volatile, with ongoing military operations, humanitarian concerns, and diplomatic efforts to address the conflict and prevent further escalation.
