Israel Aerial Strikes: Escalation After Iran’s Warning to Israel

Tensions between Israel and Lebanon have intensified as Israeli airstrikes wreak havoc in various parts of Lebanon, with a focus on Hezbollah targets. These airstrikes have now expanded from southern to northern Lebanon, further escalating the conflict.

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, had issued a stern warning during his Friday sermon, stating, “Israel will not last long” and reaffirming that Iran will not back down. Following this warning, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) ramped up their air offensive.

Reports indicate heavy bombardment near Beirut and its airport, prompting Israeli military alerts urging residents to evacuate immediately. The strikes also hit areas like the Beddawi Palestinian refugee camp in northern Lebanon.

According to Hezbollah, the Israeli military attempted to infiltrate the southern Lebanese town of Odaisseh, leading to intense clashes. Artillery fire was also reported near Khiam and the outskirts of Kafr Kila in southern Lebanon.

In another significant event, Saeed Atallah, a leader of Hamas’ armed wing, the al-Qassam brigades, was killed alongside three family members in an Israeli airstrike on a refugee camp in Tripoli, northern Lebanon. The Israeli army has not commented on the incident.

The fate of Hashem Safieddine, the likely successor to Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, remains unclear following reports that he was targeted in an Israeli airstrike on Thursday night. Neither Israel nor Hezbollah has confirmed any details.

The conflict between Israel and Iran is further straining Lebanon’s already fragile humanitarian situation. According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, over 2,000 people, including 127 children and 261 women, have been killed in the latest round of Israeli attacks.

In response to the crisis, the United States announced nearly $157 million in new humanitarian aid to support civilians affected by the conflict in Lebanon. The aid will address the needs of internally displaced persons and refugee populations in Lebanon and Syria.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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