Hezbollah fires 250 rockets marking the heaviest attack on Israel in months
Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah escalated, as Hezbollah fired approximately 250 rockets into Israel. The rocket barrage targeted Northern and Central Israel, causing significant damage and forcing thousands of residents into bomb shelters. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) responded with a series of airstrikes across Southern Lebanon, intensifying the deadly conflict.
24 Nov 2024 | updated: 24 November 2024 20:30
"We will not tolerate these provocations," the IDF stated, vowing to retaliate against any attacks on Israeli territory. The scale of Sunday’s rocket barrage is among the heaviest launched by Hezbollah in recent months, Associated Press reports.
Civilian casualties mount across Gaza and Lebanon
In Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 33 people on Sunday, including civilians in southern villages and central Beirut. A particularly devastating strike in Beirut levelled buildings, leaving 15 dead and 63 injured. Emergency workers are still sifting through rubble, while overwhelmed hospitals struggle to treat the wounded.
Meanwhile, Gaza faced relentless airstrikes from Israeli forces, resulting in at least 38 deaths. Palestinian officials report widespread destruction of homes, schools, and infrastructure. A Gaza health official described the situation as "unprecedented," urging the international community to intervene before conditions worsen further.
International pleas for restraint
The escalating conflict has prompted urgent calls for restraint from international leaders and organisations. The United Nations has warned of a worsening humanitarian crisis, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. Hospitals in Gaza and Lebanon are running low on supplies, while power cuts exacerbate the dire conditions.
Despite these pleas, neither side has shown any signs of backing down. Hezbollah declared its intent to continue resisting what it describes as "Israeli aggression," while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his government’s commitment to defending the nation.
"We cannot stand by as our people are attacked," Netanyahu said.
As the cycle of retaliation continues, civilians in the region remain trapped in an increasingly dangerous and uncertain situation. The lack of progress towards a ceasefire raises fears of a prolonged conflict with devastating consequences.
Source: Associated Press, Al Jazeera, Times of Israel
