BEIRUT. Israel has intensified its military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, launching airstrikes on Hezbollah’s intelligence headquarters in Beirut on Sunday, according to Israeli officials. The escalation follows the killing of Yahya Sinwar, a prominent Hamas leader, which has further heightened tensions in the region.
In Gaza, the aftermath of an Israeli airstrike on Beit Lahiya, in the northern part of the Palestinian territory, has left at least 87 people dead or missing. The Palestinian Health Ministry reported that rescue teams are still working to recover bodies from the rubble, but ongoing Israeli military operations and communication disruptions are complicating efforts. Israeli authorities are investigating the incident and questioned earlier casualty figures provided by Hamas’ media office.
This offensive marks one of the deadliest attacks in recent months and follows Israel’s increased military actions against both Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militant group in Lebanon. The airstrikes come amid growing speculation that Israel is attempting to prevent its regional rivals from regrouping as the U.S. elections approach, according to sources in the region.
The death of Yahya Sinwar had raised brief hopes for possible ceasefire negotiations, but Israel’s military actions have since intensified. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that he was the target of an assassination attempt by Hezbollah, which he described as “Iran’s proxy.” He noted that a drone was directed at his holiday home, but he was unharmed. In a phone call with former U.S. President Donald Trump, Netanyahu emphasized that Israel would act based on its own security interests.
Despite repeated efforts by the United States to mediate ceasefires in both Gaza and Lebanon, Israel has rejected these proposals, focusing instead on its ongoing military campaign.
Evacuations and Worsening Humanitarian Conditions
In the besieged Gaza Strip, Israeli strikes have caused widespread destruction. The offensive, which began on October 7, 2023, in response to a Hamas attack on Israel, has left much of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents homeless, while critical infrastructure such as hospitals and schools has been heavily damaged. Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee reported that over 5,000 Palestinians have evacuated the town of Jabalia, just south of Beit Lahiya, in response to the military’s operations to root out Hamas fighters.
The evacuation orders have sparked concerns among Palestinians that Israel’s military actions are aimed at displacing them from northern Gaza. However, Israeli officials have denied any such plans, insisting that the aim is to protect civilians and separate them from Hamas militants.
Amid the ongoing conflict, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen. U.N. Middle East peace envoy Tor Wennesland described the situation as “horrifying,” citing relentless Israeli strikes and a deteriorating humanitarian situation. He posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Horrifying scenes unfolding in Gaza, amidst conflict, relentless Israeli strikes & an ever-worsening humanitarian crisis.”
As the conflict rages on, efforts to reach a diplomatic solution have so far failed, and both the civilian toll and destruction continue to mount.
Photo credit: Reuters
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.
