Israeli airstrikes in northeastern Lebanon have resulted in the deaths of at least 52 people and injured 72, escalating the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah. These strikes come amidst Israel’s protracted war with Hamas in Gaza, leading to a two-front conflict with devastating humanitarian consequences. Despite international calls for a ceasefire, Israel has intensified its strikes, raising concerns about the safety of civilians in both Lebanon and Gaza.
Israel’s air force conducted heavy strikes on the southern suburb of Dahiyeh in Beirut, Lebanon, causing widespread destruction. This escalation comes amid ongoing violence in both Lebanon and the Gaza Strip, where Israel has been engaged in a devastating offensive against Hamas. The international community is pushing for de-escalation and a ceasefire, but the situation remains volatile and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen.
A new poll reveals a stark partisan divide among American voters regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict. While both Democrats and Republicans acknowledge the war’s severity and express concern about US involvement, they drastically disagree on who’s to blame for the escalation. The poll highlights Americans’ anxieties over a potential wider war in the Middle East, along with their varying opinions on US involvement and the effectiveness of the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to broker a ceasefire.
The Israel-Hezbollah war continues to escalate with Israel issuing evacuation orders for the entire city of Baalbek in Lebanon, raising concerns about the safety of civilians and historical sites. Meanwhile, Israel’s decision to ban UNRWA, a vital aid agency for Palestinian refugees, has drawn international condemnation. The conflict’s devastating impact is evident in the tragic death toll, which has surpassed 43,000 in Gaza.
Vice President Kamala Harris expressed her commitment to ending the Israel-Hamas conflict, calling for a two-state solution and the release of hostages. Meanwhile, Senator JD Vance argued that Ukrainians should have the primary say in determining their future amidst the conflict with Russia, emphasizing the need for dialogue and a negotiated settlement.
A bipartisan group of over 100 US House lawmakers issued a strong warning to the United Nations, threatening to cut funding if the international body continues its criticism of Israel’s actions in the ongoing conflict with Hamas. The letter, signed by both Democrats and Republicans, expresses outrage over a recent UN resolution demanding Israel return all land and assets acquired since 1967. The lawmakers argue that the resolution unfairly undermines Israel’s right to defend itself and fails to recognize the legitimate security concerns of the nation.
Oil prices fell on Thursday as renewed diplomatic efforts for a Gaza cease-fire gained momentum. Meanwhile, Israel prepares for a potential escalation with Hezbollah on its northern border. Discussions for a Gaza ceasefire are taking place in Doha with the aim of securing the release of hostages held by Hamas and ending the deadly conflict that began on October 7th. Israel also faces mounting tensions on its northern border with Hezbollah, with the Israeli Chief of the General Staff indicating a decisive end to any potential conflict.
An Israeli airstrike on a school in Gaza, used as a shelter by displaced Palestinians, has killed at least 17 people, including children. The Israeli military claims it targeted Hamas militants, but the attack has sparked outrage and renewed concerns over civilian casualties in the ongoing conflict. This comes amidst a broader offensive in northern Gaza that has raised fears of an uninhabited buffer zone and displacement of civilians.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas accuses Israel of attempting to drive Palestinians out of Gaza, particularly in the north, calling it ‘ethnic cleansing’. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken travels to Qatar to discuss a potential ceasefire and hostage deal. The conflict continues with intense rocket fire and Israeli airstrikes, resulting in civilian casualties.
Al Jazeera has strongly refuted claims by the Israeli military that six of its journalists in Gaza are affiliated with Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. The network condemned the accusations as an attempt to silence independent reporting in the region, particularly after Al Jazeera published a report detailing potential Israeli war crimes in Gaza.
