After a brief period of calm, fighting between Israel and Hezbollah resumed on Monday with strikes targeting a Lebanese border village and the city of Sidon. Israel targeted members of Hezbollah and other Palestinian organizations, while Hezbollah retaliated by hitting military surveillance equipment in northern Israel with exploding drones. The conflict escalated on Sunday when Israel launched preemptive strikes in southern Lebanon to prevent a planned major attack by Hezbollah in retaliation for the killing of one of its commanders. In response, Hezbollah launched hundreds of drones and rockets, claiming to hit an Israeli military intelligence site.
Amidst the escalating violence, the Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff met with Israeli defense leaders in Tel Aviv to discuss de-escalation efforts and the need for humanitarian support in Gaza. The US confirmed providing intelligence and surveillance support to Israel but did not participate in the operation. Additionally, Israel extended housing grants for evacuees and hostages’ families as the conflict continues.
Meanwhile, the UN warned of a food crisis in Gaza due to Israeli restrictions and ongoing conflict, leading to a shortage of aid deliveries. Amidst the crisis, Iran’s foreign minister vowed definitive retaliation against Israel for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. The situation remains tense, with fears of a broader conflict looming, but negotiations for a Gaza cease-fire are ongoing in Cairo.
Source
Photo credit apnews.com