Tensions Rise as Israel Targets Gaza

Residents reported heavy Israeli fire in central Gaza, with regional tensions soaring after Iran threatened reprisals over a strike in Syria this month that killed two Iranian generals.

As ceasefire talks aiming to pause the six-month-old war dragged on, fears that Iran could soon launch an attack on Israel spurred France to recommend its citizens avoid traveling to the region.

Israel last week pulled its troops from the devastated city of Khan Yunis after months of fighting, but officials said they were preparing for operations against Hamas militants in Rafah, near the Egyptian border.

Authorities in the Hamas-ruled coastal Palestinian territory reported dozens of new air strikes in Gaza's central region.

Israel's Iron Dome is being "overwhelmed" by Hezbollah rockets, according to reports, as officials have warned an attack by Iran is imminent.

Videos show multiple rockets from the group soaring across northern Israel and hitting the dome as sirens blare in the background.

This comes as Israel’s military said it is prepared to defend the country and strike back if Iran retaliates for a deadly airstrike on the Iranian Consulate in Syria.

"Our enemies think that they can pull apart Israel and the United States, but the opposite is true - they are bringing us together and strengthening our ties. We stand shoulder to shoulder in our struggle," said Yoav Gallant, Israeli Minister of Defense.

"We are prepared to defend ourselves on the ground and in the air, in close cooperation with our partners, and we will know how to respond," he added.

Tehran holds Israel responsible for the attack earlier this month, which the U.S. military believes Israel carried out. Israel has not commented on it. The increased tensions have sparked international concern that Israel’s devastating war against Hamas in Gaza could spill over into the rest of the Middle East.