Israel-Hamas War Anniversary: Tensions Escalate with Cross-Border Attacks

Tensions Soar on Israel-Hamas War Anniversary as Cross-Border Strikes Continue

Israel marked the first anniversary of its war with Hamas by continuing its strikes on Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, raising concerns of a looming regional war. Israeli forces targeted a Hamas command center located in a Gaza hospital, while also bombing Hezbollah positions in Lebanon.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched thousands of rockets into Israel, followed by coordinated attacks via land, sea, and air. This attack resulted in over 1,200 deaths and hundreds of injuries, making it one of the deadliest days for Israel. In response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared war on Hamas, and the conflict has since claimed nearly 42,000 lives.

Escalation on the Anniversary

Ahead of the anniversary, Hezbollah launched rockets from Lebanon, striking the Israeli city of Haifa, injuring 10 people. In retaliation, Israeli airstrikes targeted Hezbollah’s positions in Beirut and southern Lebanon. In Gaza, airstrikes destroyed a school and mosque used as shelters, killing 26 people and injuring 93.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that Israel would retaliate against Iran, which recently launched 200 ballistic missiles towards Israel. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) declared areas near the Lebanese border as military zones, restricting civilian access.

International Reactions

French President Emmanuel Macron called for an arms embargo on Israel, a proposal rejected by Netanyahu, who labeled it “disgraceful.” Netanyahu emphasized that Israel is engaged in a multi-front war against Iranian-backed groups.

Risk of Regional Conflict

The Lebanese health ministry reported over 2,000 deaths in the recent fighting, with most casualties occurring in the past two weeks. The ongoing conflict has displaced a significant portion of Lebanon’s population, with Israeli airstrikes targeting civilian infrastructure.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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