Hezbollah and Israel engage in heavy fire as conflict escalates

Israel has been fighting on two fronts: against Hezbollah in the north and Hamas in Gaza. The fighting intensified when Hezbollah began attacking Israeli positions in support of Palestinians in Gaza. This prompted Israel to launch its heaviest bombardment yet on Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah commanders and rocket launchers.

Emergency personnel work at a site of houses damaged following a rocket attack from Lebanon, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, in Kiryat Bialik, Israel, September 22, 2024. (Photo: Reuters)

On Friday, Israeli airstrikes in Beirut killed 45 people, including 16 Hezbollah members. In response, Hezbollah launched drones and rockets at Israeli military sites, while Lebanon experienced widespread destruction from Israeli attacks.

Air raid sirens sounded across northern Israel as around 150 rockets, missiles, and drones targeted the area, although most were intercepted. Schools have been closed, gatherings restricted, and hospitals moved to safer locations as residents were told to stay near bomb shelters.

As the violence worsens, the UN and other regional leaders are calling for an end to the conflict, warning of a potential humanitarian catastrophe. Tens of thousands of people have fled their homes on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border since Hezbollah began its rocket attacks in October.

This conflict is part of a broader war that began after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, killing 1,200 people. Israel’s counter-assault on Gaza has left over 41,300 Palestinians dead, according to local health authorities.

(With inputs from Reuters)