The Lebanese armed group Hezbollah launched a barrage of attacks on Israel during the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, firing approximately 320 projectiles across the border from Lebanon, according to the Israeli military. The attacks occurred throughout the weekend, coinciding with the holiest day of the Jewish year, which ended at nightfall on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military reported two projectiles fired from northern Gaza towards the city of Ashkelon, although they landed in an unpopulated area. These incidents come amidst a broader conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza, where Israeli forces have been engaged in a year-long military campaign.
The fighting has resulted in a devastating toll, with over 42,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza, according to the Gaza health ministry. The Israeli military has been criticized for its heavy-handed tactics, which have left vast swaths of the enclave in ruins. Recent strikes in Jabalia, which killed around 20 people and wounded dozens, have raised concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
In response to the escalating conflict, Israel has sent troops into several towns in northern Gaza, including Beit Hanoun, Beit Lahiya, and Jabalia, ordering residents to evacuate. Palestinian and UN officials have expressed concern over the lack of safe havens in Gaza and the growing shortages of food, fuel, and medical supplies, particularly in the north, where they warn of a potential famine.
Hamas, the militant group controlling Gaza, condemned the Israeli attacks in Jabalia as a “massacre against civilians,” accusing Israel of punishing residents for refusing to leave their homes. They claim the attacks reflect Israel’s failure to defeat Hamas militarily. Israel has denied targeting civilians.
The armed wings of Hamas, the Islamic Jihad, and other smaller factions reported attacks against Israeli forces in Jabalia and surrounding areas using anti-tank rockets and mortar fire. The escalation of violence raises concerns about the potential for further escalation and wider regional conflict.
