Israel initiated a fresh air and ground operation in northern Gaza on Sunday, following intense bombings in southern Beirut which marked the most substantial assault since escalating efforts against the Hezbollah militant group last month. The two-pronged offensive, coupled with an overnight strike on a Gaza mosque that resulted in 19 fatalities, occurred as Israel remained on high alert preceding memorial ceremonies to commemorate the surprise attack that sparked the ongoing conflict a year ago.
The incursion last year led to the deaths of around 1,200 individuals and the capture of 250 hostages when Hamas radicals infiltrated southern Israel from Gaza. Since then, over 41,000 Palestinians have perished in Gaza, as reported by the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians, noting that more than half of the casualties were women and children.
Israel has notably widened its offensive against Hezbollah and its base in southern Lebanon in recent weeks. There is a pledge from Israel to retaliate against Iran, a supporter of both Hamas and Hezbollah, following a missile strike on the country last week.
In Gaza, a mosque housing displaced persons was struck by an Israeli attack, resulting in at least 19 deaths, Palestinian officials reported. The Israeli military claimed that both strikes aimed at militants, but without presenting evidence. A new air and ground operation was declared in Jabaliya, northern Gaza, which houses a refugee camp dating back to the 1948 war. The military stated that three soldiers were severely injured in the confrontations in northern Gaza.
Regarding operations in Lebanon, airstrikes targeted the southern suburbs of Beirut overnight, with Israel focusing on points believed to be Hezbollah militant sites. The heightened tensions follow Israel’s escalated fight against Hezbollah last month, culminating in the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and other top officials, alongside a purportedly limited ground action in southern Lebanon.
The U.N. refugee agency director in Beirut underscored a significant displacement crisis in Lebanon due to the conflict, with an estimated nearly 2,000 fatalities and around 1.2 million displaced individuals. As the anniversary of last October’s attack approaches, pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli demonstrations took place across Europe, North Africa, and Asia.
With relations in focus, French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated calls for a partial arms embargo on Israel, prompting disagreements with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Vice President Kamala Harris affirmed the United States’ commitment to provide military support to Israel but also stressed the importance of pressuring Israel and regional leaders to conclude the warfare.
