Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah escalated on Saturday following an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon that killed 10 Syrians, the largest death toll in the area since the Gaza conflict began. Hezbollah responded with rocket fire on northern Israel, further escalating the situation. The incident comes amid international efforts to reach a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, aiming to prevent a wider conflict.
An Israeli airstrike on a residential building in southern Lebanon has resulted in the deaths of six people and injuries to three others. The attack comes amid heightened tensions in the region following a deadly rocket attack on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, which Israel blamed on Hezbollah. Israel responded by killing a top Hezbollah commander in Beirut, prompting threats of retaliation from both Hezbollah and Iran.
Israeli warplanes flew low over Beirut, breaking the sound barrier three times in less than 30 minutes, causing loud booms that sent people running for cover just before a speech by Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. The incident occurred ahead of Nasrallah’s address marking one week since the killing of a top Hezbollah commander in an Israeli strike, escalating tensions in the region.
Hezbollah launched a series of drone and rocket attacks on northern Israel, targeting military sites near Acre and an Israeli military vehicle. This escalation follows recent Israeli strikes and is part of a broader conflict linked to the Gaza war. Hezbollah vowed revenge for the killing of its top commander, Fuad Shukr, and Iran threatened retaliation for the killing of the Hamas leader Haniyeh. The Israeli military responded with strikes on Hezbollah facilities in southern Lebanon, killing five people reported to be Hezbollah fighters.
Several countries have urgently advised their citizens to leave Lebanon due to escalating tensions in West Asia. The situation has intensified following targeted assassinations and retaliatory actions, sparking fears of a wider regional conflict. The US and its allies have increased military presence in the region, while international calls for de-escalation are mounting. The humanitarian impact of the conflict is severe, with civilian casualties and instability rising in both Lebanon and Gaza.
Following recent assassinations in Beirut and Tehran, the UK is stepping up preparations for a potential evacuation of its citizens from Lebanon. The UK government has deployed consular experts, border force officials, and military personnel to the region and is keeping transport helicopters on standby. France has also urged its nationals to leave Lebanon as soon as possible, joining India, Canada, Australia, and Sweden in issuing similar advisories.
The United States has issued an urgent advisory for its citizens in Lebanon to leave the country or prepare for an extended stay amid escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. Following the assassination of Hezbollah’s military chief and the subsequent threat of retaliation from Iran, the US Embassy in Beirut is urging citizens to book any available flights and prepare contingency plans for potential conflict.
The Indian Embassy in Israel has issued an advisory to its citizens, urging them to stay vigilant and follow safety protocols due to rising tensions between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. The embassy has also provided emergency contact information and a registration form for Indians in Israel.
The Embassy of India in Beirut has issued an advisory for Indian nationals residing in Lebanon, urging them to stay vigilant and informed about the evolving situation in the country.
Israel carried out an airstrike in Beirut, targeting and killing a senior Hezbollah commander in retaliation for a rocket attack that killed Israeli children. The strike sparked widespread condemnation and raised concerns of escalating tensions between Israel and Lebanon.
