Israel escalates airstrikes on Lebanon, Gaza amid wider conflict with Iran-backed militants

Israel has intensified its airstrikes on Beirut suburbs, southern Lebanon, as well as northern Gaza, escalating tensions with Iran-backed militant groups in the region.

This latest round of airstrikes resulted in the deaths of at least 19 people at a mosque in Gaza, according to Palestinian officials. The conflict, which began after Hamas’ October 7 attack, has led to Israel opening a new front in Lebanon against Hezbollah, with both sides trading fire.

Hezbollah’s attack on Haifa was confirmed by Israel’s military, although it’s unclear whether the damage was caused by rockets or interceptors. Hezbollah claimed it targeted a nearby naval base. The Magen David Adom ambulance service treated 10 people, mostly injured by shrapnel.

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As the escalation gets wider, Israel has vowed to strike Iran following a ballistic missile attack last week. So far, the U.S. has provided crucial military and diplomatic support to Israel, and the conflict risks drawing in other nations. Iran-allied militant groups in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen have launched long-distance strikes on Israel in a show of solidarity.

The situation remains volatile, with Israel on high alert ahead of memorial events for the October 7 attack. Rallies continue worldwide, marking the anniversary.

Nearly 42,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the war began, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

The figure does not indicate how many were fighters but says a little over half were women and children.

Hamas-led fighters killed some 1,200 people in the Oct. 7 attack and took another 250 hostages. They still hold around 100 captives, a third of whom are believed to be dead.