On Sunday, Hezbollah launched approximately 50 rockets from southern Lebanon into northern Israel, targeting the town of Beit Hillel. This attack was in response to Israeli strikes on the Lebanese towns of Kfar Kela and Deir Siriane, which Hezbollah claimed resulted in civilian injuries.
The escalation follows the death of Hezbollah’s top commander, Fuad Shukr, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Tuesday evening. Israel’s Iron Dome defense system intercepted several of the rockets, according to footage from the incident.
Interceptions of rockets in northern Israel. pic.twitter.com/mCNYxkFLPD
— Israel War Room (@IsraelWarRoom) August 3, 2024
The tensions are further compounded by the recent assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah have all blamed Israel for Haniyeh’s death and have vowed retaliation. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied its involvement in the assassination.
Diplomatic Efforts: An Israeli delegation, led by the country’s intelligence chief, visited Egypt to discuss a potential truce in Gaza. The delegation returned without achieving an immediate breakthrough.
Airstrikes and Casualties: An Israeli airstrike on a school in Gaza City, which was sheltering displaced individuals, killed at least 15 Palestinians on Saturday. Additionally, earlier strikes in the West Bank resulted in the deaths of nine militants, including a local Hamas commander, as reported by Hamas.
US Response: US President Joe Biden expressed hope that Iran would not retaliate for the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, stating, “I hope so. I don’t know.”
Iran’s Report: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards announced that Israel killed Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh using a “short-range projectile” launched from outside his residence in Tehran.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has been ongoing for nearly ten months, continues to draw in regional actors. The recent escalations, including high-profile assassinations and retaliatory attacks, have heightened fears of a broader regional war.
