Israeli airstrikes escalate conflict in Lebanon

Multiple Israeli airstrikes hit Lebanon, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict that has paralleled the Gaza war. The attacks targeted Beirut's southern suburbs, causing large explosions and fires, while additional strikes were reported across Lebanon's south, including the cities of Tyre, Nabatiyeh, and the Bekaa region's Hermel and Baalbek areas.

The Israeli military issued evacuation orders for four southern Beirut neighborhoods before the strikes. The death toll from Israeli attacks on Lebanon has exceeded 3,240 since October 8, 2023, with most casualties occurring in the past six weeks following an intensification of Israeli operations that began on September 23.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz affirmed the continuation of military operations against Hezbollah, rejecting ceasefire possibilities despite reports of potential progress in peace negotiations. Lebanese media suggests that U.S. President Biden may send envoy Amos Hochstein to Beirut with specific ceasefire proposals, while Hezbollah spokesman Mohammed Afif stated they have received no formal peace proposals.

Separately, in Gaza, Israeli forces struck displaced Palestinians' tents in Deir Al-Balah, resulting in two fatalities. This occurred as Israel claimed to have delivered hundreds of food packets to northern Gaza. The US State Department concluded that Israel is not impeding humanitarian assistance to Gaza, despite acknowledging the dire situation in the Palestinian enclave.

The conflict has expanded beyond the traditional border areas, with Israel's campaign now reaching deeper into Lebanese territory, though Israeli forces have reportedly failed to occupy any Lebanese villages despite six weeks of ground operations.