As the Wednesday deadline for improved aid delivery to Gaza approaches, Israel intensified its military operations in both Gaza and Lebanon on Sunday. Rescuers and authorities reported deadly strikes, raising concerns over escalating tensions in the region.
In northern Gaza, rescuers reported that 30 people, including 13 children, were killed by Israeli airstrikes. The Israeli military stated it was “looking into the reports” concerning these strikes. This marks a significant development since Israel launched a major air and ground assault on October 6, aiming to prevent Hamas militants from regrouping in the area.
The United Nations has described the situation in Gaza as a “siege,” with humanitarian conditions deteriorating rapidly. The United States has set a deadline for this coming week, urging Israel to allow more aid into the Palestinian territory or face potential cuts to military assistance.
Simultaneously, in Lebanon, the health ministry reported that an Israeli strike on the village of Almat, north of Beirut, resulted in the deaths of 20 people, including three children. In southern Lebanon, Israeli strikes also claimed the lives of three Hezbollah-affiliated rescuers, according to the ministry.
The conflict has resulted in significant casualties. The Gaza-based health ministry reports that Israel’s military operation in Gaza has so far killed at least 43,603 people. Since late September, Israel has been engaged in a two-front conflict, shifting its focus north toward Lebanon. This has involved escalating airstrikes and the deployment of ground troops after nearly a year of tit-for-tat exchanges of fire with Hezbollah, which has declared its support for Hamas.
The ongoing hostilities have heightened international concerns over regional stability. With the U.S. deadline looming, the pressure is mounting for a resolution that allows for humanitarian aid to reach affected populations while addressing the security concerns that have fueled the conflict.
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Strikes on Gaza, Lebanon persist as Wednesday aid deadline nears
cgtn.com
