BEIRUT/JERUSALEM. The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has intensified, with both sides launching fresh attacks as concerns grow about a broader war erupting across the Middle East. Israel struck Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon on Tuesday, signaling its intent to maintain pressure on the Iran-backed group, which retaliated with attacks on Israeli military facilities.
Israel’s Chief of General Staff, Herzi Halevi, emphasized the need for continuous action, stating, “The situation requires continued, intense action in all arenas.” This followed Israel’s airstrikes, which Lebanese authorities reported as the deadliest in decades, killing 558 people, including 50 children and 94 women, and wounding 1,835. The strikes also triggered a mass exodus of thousands of civilians seeking safety.
Avichay Adraee, a spokesperson for the Israeli army, confirmed the overnight strikes, writing on X, “In the last hour, warplanes bombed Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, including missile launchers, military buildings, and buildings where weapons were stored.”
Hezbollah, in turn, claimed responsibility for several retaliatory strikes on Israeli military installations. One of its primary targets was an explosives factory located 60 kilometers (37 miles) into Israel, which it attacked with Fadi rockets at around 4 a.m. local time (0100 GMT). Hezbollah also reported multiple attacks on the Megiddo airfield near Afula in northern Israel.
After nearly a year of conflict with the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, Israel is now facing renewed tensions on its northern front, where Hezbollah has been launching rockets in solidarity with Hamas. Both groups are supported by Iran, further raising fears of regional escalation.
The conflict’s broader impact is already being felt. Over 30 international flights to and from Beirut were canceled on Tuesday, according to the Rafic Hariri International Airport. Airlines affected include Qatar Airways, Turkish Airways, and some from the United Arab Emirates.
Medical facilities in both Lebanon and Israel are struggling to cope. Lebanese hospitals are overwhelmed with the influx of wounded civilians, according to a World Health Organization official. Meanwhile, in Israel, Haifa’s main hospital has moved its operations underground after the city was attacked on Monday.
Matthew Saltmarsh, a spokesperson for the U.N. refugee agency, described the unfolding humanitarian crisis: “We’re looking at tens of thousands (of displaced in Lebanon), but we expect those figures to start to rise. The situation is extremely alarming.”
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
