Israel’s security cabinet has given Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his defense minister the authority to determine the “manner and timing” of Israel’s response to a rocket attack from Lebanon that killed 12 individuals, mostly teenagers and children, in the village of Majdal Shams. The attack has raised concerns of the ongoing conflict in Gaza spilling over into a regional conflict. Israel’s military retaliated by striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, following months of skirmishes between Israel and Hezbollah.
Hezbollah, backed by Iran, denied any involvement in the attack on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Amid escalating tensions, Israel’s foreign minister responded to vague comments from Turkish President Erdogan suggesting Turkey’s intervention in Israel. Lebanon’s main airline rescheduled flights to and from Beirut, citing technical reasons related to insurance risks. Lufthansa also suspended flights to Beirut.
The Gaza Health Ministry reported that at least 39,324 individuals have been killed and 90,830 injured since the conflict began, with the majority being women and children. Israel estimates that around 1,200 individuals were killed in Hamas’s October 7 attack, including over 300 soldiers. The ongoing conflict has resulted in a significant number of casualties and heightened tensions in the region. Diplomatic efforts are being made to urge restraint and prevent further escalation of violence.
Source
Photo credit www.washingtonpost.com
