Hezbollah Rockets Target Northern Israel Amid Gaza Cease-Fire Talks

Hezbollah from Lebanon launched rockets into northern Israel in retaliation for a senior commander’s assassination, escalating tensions in the region amid efforts for a global ceasefire plan for Gaza. This occurred during Antony Blinken’s visit, who was advocating for the plan not fully accepted by Israel or Hamas, with Hamas seeking ‘modifications’ to the agreement.

He fired missiles and rockets at two military bases after the killing of Taleb Sami Abdullah, 55, also known as Hajj Abu Taleb within Hezbollah. Abdullah, a senior commander, was killed in an Israeli strike that targeted a house where he and three other officials were meeting, located about 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the border, late Tuesday.

The Biden administration seeks a phased cease-fire to calm regional tensions, linked to Hamas releasing remaining hostages from an earlier attack. The U.N. Security Council backed this plan, though Israeli commitment is uncertain. Hamas supports the deal’s outline but questions Israeli compliance with permanent peace terms and Gaza withdrawal.

Hamas spokesman Jihad Taha confirmed the cease-fire, withdrawal, reconstruction, and prisoner exchange without providing further details.

Blinken, on his eighth visit to the region since the war began, went to Qatar to follow up on negotiations. The proposal has raised hopes of ending a conflict that has claimed over 37,000 Palestinian lives and displaced 80% of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million. Israeli restrictions and ongoing fighting have hampered humanitarian aid efforts, leading to widespread hunger.

Hezbollah, allied with Hamas and backed by Iran, has been exchanging fire with Israel almost daily since the 8-month Israel-Hamas war started. They insist on a Gaza truce for cessation. This escalation raises fears of a wider regional conflict.

Recent attacks saw about 160 projectiles launched from southern Lebanon, marking one of the largest strikes yet. Sirens blared in northern Israel, but casualties remain unreported, with some projectiles intercepted and others causing brush fires.