Amid intensifying clashes, Israeli forces and Hezbollah have exchanged heavy fire as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken tours the region, advocating for peace in both Gaza and Lebanon.
On Wednesday, Israeli strikes targeted the southern suburbs of Beirut, sending towering flames into the night sky after the Israeli military issued evacuation warnings to the neighborhood’s residents. In response, Hezbollah announced it had escalated its attacks, firing precision-guided missiles at Israeli targets for the first time and deploying new types of drones, though details remained sparse.
Later, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for targeting an Israeli military factory on the outskirts of Tel Aviv. The intensifying hostilities come as Blinken visits the Middle East, seeking to mediate peace between Israel, Hezbollah, and Hamas.
Blinken, who has traveled to the Middle East regularly since the Israel-Hamas conflict began, continues his efforts to mediate peace among the conflicting parties. His visit comes at a critical time as violence escalates across the region.
The conflict appears to be spreading, with new strikes reported around midday on Wednesday in Tyre, a UNESCO-listed port city in southern Lebanon, following Israeli evacuation orders.
Tens of thousands have already fled Tyre as Israel ramps up its campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza. In Gaza, Israeli assaults have intensified on the northern edge of the territory, with health authorities and residents reporting 42 fatalities in the latest strikes.
The escalating violence underscores the urgent need for diplomatic efforts. As Blinken engages with regional leaders, the international community watches closely, hopeful for a de-escalation in hostilities that have already displaced and endangered countless lives.
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Israel, Hezbollah exchange heavy fire as Blinken pushes for peace
cgtn.com
