Israel intensifies bombardment in Gaza and Lebanon amid fears of Oct 7 attacks

As Israel prepares to commemorate the first anniversary of the October 7 attacks, the military's operations have escalated, with heavy bombing raids and evacuation orders in both Gaza and Lebanon.

Israeli authorities remain on high alert as they anticipate attacks coinciding with the anniversary of Hamas's assault, following a recent gunman attack in Be’er Sheva that left one person dead and ten others injured. This attack is seen as part of a broader pattern of violence in the region.

The Qassam Brigades have claimed responsibility for a rocket attack on southern Israel, coinciding with the Israeli military's announcement of thwarting a plot by Hamas to launch additional projectiles. According to the Israeli military, the operation involved fighter jets targeting Hamas launchers and tunnels in Gaza, following early indications of an impending attack.

The Israeli military reported that these airstrikes occurred shortly before 6:30 AM local time, marking the anniversary of Hamas's surprise assault on southern Israel last year. In a related development, the military has intensified bombardments in the Jabalia refugee camp, resulting in at least 17 fatalities, including nine children, as ground forces deployed tanks in the area for the first time in months.

The Palestinian Civil Defence agency highlighted the severity of the situation, with multiple strikes reported in Jabalia overnight, leading to significant casualties. Residents described the bombardments as among the worst seen in months, with numerous explosions from air strikes and tank shelling causing panic and fear among the populace.

On Sunday morning, the Israeli military confirmed that its forces had encircled the Jabalia refugee camp, acting on intelligence that suggested the presence of militants and the rebuilding of Hamas's operational capabilities in the region. Israel has faced accusations from rights organisations regarding its attacks on civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and schools, which the military claims are being used by Hamas without providing substantial evidence.

In a parallel development, the armed wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad announced its fighters targeted an Israeli command and control room during the ongoing conflict.

The situation has drawn international attention, prompting the Order of Nurses in Lebanon to issue an urgent appeal for intervention, urging the international community and healthcare organizations to protect the healthcare sector from the escalating violence. They warned of attacks on hospitals and medical personnel, emphasizing the increasing danger for healthcare workers in the conflict zones.

Suleiman Haroun, representing the private hospital owners' syndicate in Lebanon, described the hospital sector as having entered a perilous situation due to the ongoing Israeli shelling, particularly near hospitals in southern Lebanon and Beirut.

Meanwhile, Iranian airports announced the cancellation of flights, reflecting fears of possible Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian military or nuclear facilities. However, these restrictions were lifted shortly after, indicating that the situation remains fluid. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised retaliation against Iran for its recent missile strike on Israel, asserting that the timing and nature of the response will be carefully considered.

As the conflict continues, consultations between senior White House and Pentagon officials and Israeli counterparts indicate a shared concern over the potential for an all-out war in the region. President Joe Biden has advised Netanyahu to avoid targeting critical Iranian infrastructure, as such actions could provoke retaliatory measures against Israeli interests.

On the ground, Israel's military operations have resumed with a renewed focus on Gaza, specifically targeting Jabalia, the largest refugee camp in the territory. Recent airstrikes resulted in significant casualties, including attacks on a mosque and a school, further heightening the humanitarian crisis in the region. The local Hamas-controlled government reported that these strikes killed 24 people and wounded nearly 100, underscoring the devastating impact of the ongoing hostilities.

As military operations continue, Israel has issued a new blanket evacuation order for northern Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of civilians remain trapped amidst the escalating violence. Local aid workers have reported that many of the displaced people are seeking refuge in mosques that have already been targeted by airstrikes.

Amidst this turmoil, Netanyahu has visited troops near the Lebanese border, expressing confidence that Israel will ultimately prevail in the conflict. European leaders have renewed calls for a ceasefire, aiming to halt the simultaneous wars in Gaza and Lebanon, which have resulted in over 42,000 casualties in the past year alone.

As night fell over Beirut, renewed Israeli bombing lit up the skyline, particularly in Hezbollah's stronghold in the southern suburbs, where rescue workers have struggled to access areas devastated by the relentless bombardment. The Israeli military has issued warnings to residents, urging them to evacuate areas deemed high-risk.

In a striking escalation, Hezbollah announced it had targeted an Israeli military base near Haifa, resulting in injuries and damage to properties. Concurrently, the violence within Israel continued, with another suspected attack in Be’er Sheva claiming the life of one woman and injuring several others, further intensifying the climate of fear and uncertainty as the region braces for potential further conflict.