Hezbollah’s volley of rockets hits Israel as preliminary response to Hamas’ leader’s killing

In an escalation of tensions in the Middle East, heavy fire from Lebanon targeted northern Israel on Saturday, prompting a response from the Israeli military. Approximately 40 rocket launches from Lebanon towards the area of Meron in northern Israel were identified, with no immediate reports of casualties or damage.

The powerful Lebanese armed group Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that it was a "preliminary response" to the killing of Hamas' deputy chief earlier in the week.

The deputy leader, Saleh al-Arouri, was killed by a drone in the southern suburbs of Beirut, an act widely attributed to Israel. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah warned on Friday that Lebanon would face more Israeli operations if his group did not respond to the killing.

The situation has been further complicated by the ongoing Gaza war, which has entered its third month. The conflict began when Hamas militants from Gaza attacked Israel on October 7, resulting in 1,200 people killed and 240 taken hostage, according to Israeli officials.

Israel's offensive, aimed at eradicating the Islamist movement ruling Gaza, has led to a staggering death toll of 22,600 people, according to Palestinian health officials, and has devastated the densely populated enclave of 2.3 million people.

Despite diplomatic efforts by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the European Union's senior diplomat Josep Borrell to prevent spillover from the Gaza war, the region remains on edge. The West Bank is witnessing heightened emotions, and the Iran-aligned Houthis continue their attacks on Red Sea shipping lanes until Israel halts its bombardment of Gaza.

In an attempt to address the escalating situation, Blinken embarked on a week-long tour starting in Turkey, which offered to mediate. His itinerary includes visits to Israel, Jordan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. The international community is closely watching as efforts are made to ease tensions and prevent further violence.

Amid these developments, reports emerged of an Israeli attack on a house east of Khan Younis in Gaza, resulting in 18 Palestinians killed, according to the official Palestinian WAFA news agency. In the West Bank village of Beit Rima, the Palestinian health ministry reported the death of a 17-year-old by Israeli forces, with four others injured.

Israel, facing global pressure to limit civilian casualties, has announced a more targeted approach in its offensive, claiming to have killed 8,000 militants since the October 7 Hamas attack. The conflict has taken a toll on both sides, with Israel listing 175 soldiers killed in action since the offensive began.

As the situation in the Middle East remains volatile, the traumatised residents of Gaza, most of whom have been displaced by the bombardment, are grappling with a devastating humanitarian crisis. Essential supplies such as food, medicine, and fuel are in low supply, adding to the challenges faced by a population already reeling from the impact of the conflict.