Hezbollah Rockets Hit Israel, Biden Urges Iran to De-Escalate

Rising Tensions: Hezbollah’s Rocket Assault on Israel

The Middle East is facing escalating tensions after Hezbollah launched a significant rocket attack on Israel. This escalation comes in response to Israeli airstrikes that killed key figures in Hezbollah and Hamas, intensifying the risk of a regional war.

Hezbollah’s Retaliatory Strikes

On Saturday, Hezbollah announced it had fired dozens of rockets at Israel, targeting Moshav Beit Hillel. This move follows recent Israeli strikes that resulted in the deaths of senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr and top Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. The attacks are seen as retaliation for Israel’s actions in Lebanon, including airstrikes on Kfar Kela and Deir Siriane.

Israeli Defense and U.S. Response

Israel’s Iron Dome system intercepted most of the incoming rockets, though some caused damage and fires near Beit Hillel. In response, the U.S. is enhancing its military presence in the region, deploying an aircraft carrier strike group led by the USS Abraham Lincoln, along with additional defense systems and a new fighter squadron.

President Joe Biden, at his Delaware beach home, expressed hope that Iran would de-escalate the situation despite Iran’s threats of retaliation against Israel. The U.S. Embassy in Beirut has urged Americans to leave Lebanon immediately amid rising fears of further conflict.

International Reactions and Developments

The UK, Jordan, Canada, and India have all advised their citizens to exit Lebanon swiftly. Iran, blaming Israel for the death of Haniyeh, anticipates further strikes from Hezbollah and other Iran-backed groups. Tensions also spread to the West Bank, where Israel and Hezbollah engaged in further clashes.

Further Violence and Diplomatic Efforts

In related violence, an Israeli drone strike in Bazourieh, southern Lebanon, killed Ali Abd Ali, a prominent Hezbollah operative. Hezbollah has confirmed the death and promised retaliation. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties, including 17 people killed in an Israeli strike on a Gaza City school compound.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, along with French and British officials, has called for restraint from all parties involved to prevent further escalation.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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