Israel Launches Cross-Border Strikes in Lebanon

Israel said its forces were carrying out "offensive action" in Lebanon after launching cross-border strikes targeting Hamas ally Hezbollah as Israeli aircraft and tanks pounded the Gaza Strip.

Since the Israel-Hamas war erupted on October 7, Lebanon's powerful  Hezbollah group and Israeli forces have traded near-daily fire, heightening fears of a wider conflict breaking out.

In war-battered Gaza, there has been mounting concern over Israeli plans to launch an assault on the southern Gazan city of Rafah, where 1.5 million people have sought refuge, many in makeshift encampments.

Aid groups warn any invasion would create catastrophic conditions for civilians, but government spokesman David Mencer said Israel was "moving ahead" with its operation in Rafah, which Israeli officials have described as the "last" major Hamas stronghold where militants may be holding hostages.

Also US President Joe Biden signed a bill authorizing $13 billion in military aid to close ally Israel.

The bill also included $1 billion in humanitarian aid for Gaza, which Biden demanded Israel allow to reach Palestinians "without delay".

Regional tensions remain high more than 200 days into the devastating war, which was triggered by Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel.

Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said that "many forces are deployed" along Israel's northern border, claiming the military has eliminated "half of Hezbollah's commanders in southern Lebanon" in months of violence.

Israel has struck increasingly deeper into Lebanon, while Hezbollah has stepped up rocket fire and drone attacks on Israeli military bases across the border.

Israel has repeatedly targeted hospitals during the war, accusing Hamas of using them as command centers and to hold hostages abducted on October 7. Hamas denies the accusations.