Israel launched airstrikes on targets in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip, coinciding with the one-year anniversary of the October 7 attacks that ignited its ongoing conflict.
This incident occurred on Sunday, October 6.
Israel’s Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, stated that all options for retaliation against Iran are under consideration.
Hezbollah fired rockets late Sunday, breaching Israeli air defense and striking Haifa, Israel’s third-largest city, resulting in building damage and injuries to at least 10 people. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for targeting a military site south of Haifa with “Fadi 1” missiles.
In response, Israeli airstrikes heavily bombarded Beirut’s southern suburbs, marking the most intense assault on the Lebanese capital since Israel escalated its campaign against Hezbollah last month.
The Israeli military reported targeting Hezbollah’s intelligence and weapon storage facilities, as well as positions in southern Lebanon and the Beqaa Valley.
The conflict traces back to last year when Hamas-led militants attacked Israel, resulting in 1,200 deaths and over 250 hostages, prompting a severe Israeli offensive in Gaza that has reportedly killed nearly 42,000 people, according to Palestinian health officials.
As the anniversary approaches, pro-Palestinian protests erupted globally, from Jakarta to Istanbul and across major European cities, demanding an end to Israeli actions.
Last week, Iran also engaged in missile strikes against Israel, responding to its military operations in Lebanon and Gaza, where Hezbollah and Hamas are considered allies.
Israel aims to ensure the safety of its northern citizens, while also vowing retaliation against Iranian threats.
Gallant emphasized that Israel will independently decide its response to Iran, despite close coordination with the U.S. He confirmed that all military options remain on the table.
While the U.S. has ruled out supporting strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, discussions about Israeli attacks on Iranian oil facilities are ongoing.
Israel has dismissed U.S. calls for a ceasefire while continuing ground operations in Lebanon. In reaction to the bombardments, the U.S. cautioned that military pressure could lead to diplomatic opportunities but also risks miscalculations.
French President Emmanuel Macron called for an end to arms shipments to Israel, arguing it would only aid Iran. Meanwhile, Israel issued new evacuation orders for southern Beirut in anticipation of further strikes.
On Sunday, Israel declared additional areas on its northern border as closed military zones, expanding on previous restrictions. Recent airstrikes in Lebanon reportedly killed at least 12 people, including children, according to the Lebanese health ministry.
In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes resulted in at least 26 fatalities and numerous injuries when a mosque and a school sheltering displaced persons were hit, although the Israeli military claimed it targeted Hamas militants.
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The conflict, which escalated last year with Hezbollah’s support for Hamas, has led to over 2,000 deaths in Lebanon, with the majority occurring in the past two weeks. Reports from Beirut’s southern suburbs described the recent nights as the most violent experienced, with relentless bombardments causing widespread fear.
The UN’s refugee chief noted violations of international law due to Israeli airstrikes on civilian infrastructure in Lebanon. Israel maintains that its operations are aimed at military targets and that it takes measures to minimize civilian harm, although Lebanese authorities dispute this claim, asserting that civilians have been intentionally targeted.
