In a significant escalation, Israel launched deadly strikes on Gaza and Lebanon on Sunday, targeting areas in the north of Gaza and the village of Almat north of Beirut. Rescuers in Gaza reported that 30 people, including 13 children, lost their lives in the latest airstrikes. Meanwhile, Lebanon's health ministry confirmed that 20 individuals, including three children, were killed in the Israeli strike on Almat. Additionally, three Hezbollah-affiliated rescuers were among those killed in southern Lebanon.
The Israeli military has acknowledged the strikes, stating it is \"looking into the reports.\" This offensive is part of a broader campaign that began on October 6, aiming to prevent Hamas militants from regrouping in north Gaza through a combination of air and ground assaults.
The United Nations has described Gaza as being under \"siege,\" highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis in the region. Adding pressure to the situation, the United States has set a deadline for the upcoming week, urging Israel to allow more aid into the Palestinian territory. Failure to meet this deadline could result in potential cuts to US military assistance to Israel.
Since late September, Israel has been engaged in a two-front conflict, intensifying its focus on Lebanon alongside ongoing operations in Gaza. The involvement of Hezbollah has further complicated the dynamics, with the group asserting it is acting in support of Hamas. The Gaza-based health ministry reports that Israel's military operations have resulted in at least 43,603 fatalities in the territory so far.
The continued strikes and the looming US aid deadline underscore the volatile situation in the region, raising concerns among international communities and humanitarian organizations about the potential for further escalation and the urgent need for humanitarian relief.
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Strikes on Gaza, Lebanon persist as Wednesday aid deadline nears
cgtn.com
