JERUSALEM – The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalated dramatically as over 100 rockets were fired into Israel from Lebanon, with some hitting near the northern city of Haifa. This alarming development comes after months of escalating tensions between the two sides.
Israeli first responders reported that the early morning barrage on Sunday resulted in at least three people being wounded near Haifa, buildings being damaged, and cars being set on fire.
The rocket attacks followed an Israeli airstrike in Beirut that claimed the lives of at least 37 people, including a senior leader of the Lebanese militant group and innocent civilians, including women and children. This act further fueled the growing animosity between Israel and Hezbollah.
Israel and Hezbollah have been engaged in intermittent fire exchanges since the Gaza war began nearly a year ago. The violence has caused displacement and instability on both sides.
Both sides claim they do not seek a full-scale war, but recent events suggest otherwise. Israel has shifted its focus from Gaza to Lebanon, aiming to restore calm to the border regions. In contrast, Hezbollah insists on a cease-fire in Gaza before halting its attacks, a condition that remains unmet as negotiations stall.
The situation worsened when rockets from Lebanon were intercepted in areas further south, including Haifa and Nazareth. Israel responded by closing schools in the north, heightening the sense of crisis.
The rocket fire resulted in injuries and property damage, with some buildings and cars being affected. The exact cause of the damage is still under investigation. Hezbollah claimed it targeted a nearby military installation.
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