Israel escalates strikes on Hezbollah: 28 killed in Beirut amidst rising tensions

New Delhi(The Uttam Hindu):Israel has intensified its military campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon. On Saturday, Israeli airstrikes killed 28 people, according to Lebanon's Ministry of Health. In central Beirut, 15 people died in an airstrike targeting an eight-story building, while 13 others were killed in attacks northeast of the capital. This marked the fourth Israeli strike on Beirut this week, with missiles designed to destroy tunnels used in the operations.

Israeli forces also targeted several Hezbollah positions in southern Beirut suburbs. These developments come after a visit by U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein to both Lebanon and Israel. The ongoing conflict stems from the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led assault on Israel, which prompted a significant Israeli military operation in Gaza aimed at eradicating Hamas forces.

Israeli strikes in Gaza have resulted in 44,176 Palestinian casualties so far, as per reports. Meanwhile, a female Israeli hostage held by Hamas was reportedly killed in an Israeli strike. Abu Ubaida, spokesperson for Hamas's armed wing, confirmed the death. Additionally, Palestinian medical officials revealed that 120 people were killed in Gaza during Israeli strikes over the last 48 hours. An Israeli attack on a hospital injured medical staff and caused significant damage to equipment.

The Israeli military stated that its actions aim to prevent Hamas fighters from regrouping and launching further attacks in the region.