Israel has conducted new airstrikes in Lebanon’s Beqaa region, claiming to target a “terrorist cell,” according to a statement from its air force. The strikes come amid heightened tensions in the region, with Palestinian medics reporting at least 14 killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza, most of them in Beit Lahiya in the northern part of the territory.
Escalation in Lebanon
Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri accused Israel of breaching the ceasefire agreement reached on November 27, alleging over 50 violations. Israel has denied these accusations, maintaining that its actions are defensive responses to ongoing threats.
The situation in Lebanon reflects an extension of Israel’s military activities as part of a broader regional conflict that has spread to multiple fronts, including Syria.
Conflict in Gaza
Israeli forces issued evacuation orders in Khan Younis, citing continued rocket fire from the area. In a statement, Israel claimed responsibility for the deaths of seven Hamas operatives allegedly involved in the October 7 attack in southern Israel. However, these claims have not been independently verified.
Casualties from recent strikes in Gaza have predominantly affected civilians, according to local reports, underscoring the heavy toll of ongoing hostilities in the densely populated enclave.
Syrian Front and Regional Diplomacy
In Syria, an Israeli strike reportedly targeted a vehicle near Damascus International Airport, while fighting continued between government forces and Kurdish SDF fighters in Deir ez-Zur province. The violence has displaced over 45,000 people, according to UNICEF.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts are underway as the foreign ministers of Iran, Turkey, and Russia plan to meet in Doha, Qatar, to address the crisis in Syria.
