Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have escalated, with both sides threatening to intensify their cross-border attacks, disregarding international calls for de-escalation. Hezbollah's deputy chief, Naim Qassem, declared that the group has entered "a new phase" in its confrontation with Israel, following Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah strongholds in northern Lebanon, which resulted in significant damage and casualties.

In response, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized Israel's resolve to protect its northern residents, stating that military operations would continue until the region is secure. Reinforcing this stance, Army Chief Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi warned that Israel would "hit anyone who threatens" its citizens.

As the violence mounts, international leaders have urged restraint. U.S. President Joe Biden reiterated that further military escalation is not in Israel’s "best interest" and highlighted ongoing efforts to prevent a broader regional conflict. "We're going to do everything we can to keep a wider war from breaking out," Biden said. Similarly, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of the risk of Lebanon descending into chaos, potentially becoming "another Gaza" amid the ongoing Gaza-Israel conflict.

The situation worsened over the weekend when Hezbollah launched a barrage of rockets reaching Kiryat Bialik, near Haifa, Israel's largest northern city. In retaliation, Israel struck Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, including an airbase and military production facilities. The exchange of fire prompted Israel’s civil defense agency to order the closure of schools in the north.

Casualties continue to rise on both sides. Lebanon’s health ministry reported that three civilians were killed in Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah confirmed the deaths of two of its fighters. In addition, Israel's airstrike on Beirut’s densely populated Dahiyeh neighborhood killed Ibrahim Aqil, the head of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force.

Despite the heavy toll, Hezbollah remains undeterred. Qassem reiterated the group's readiness to face "all military possibilities," signaling a firm stance even as Israel intensifies its campaign to target Hezbollah's military infrastructure along the border.

Mediation efforts, led by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S., have made little progress. Attempts to negotiate a ceasefire and secure hostage releases have stalled. Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty acknowledged that the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah is hampering efforts to stabilize Gaza, where violence rages on.

The United Nations has warned that the region stands "on the brink of an imminent catastrophe," as fears of a full-scale war loom larger with every passing day.

Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have escalated, with both sides threatening to intensify their cross-border attacks, disregarding international calls for de-escalation. Hezbollah's deputy chief, Naim Qassem, declared that the group has entered "a new phase" in its confrontation with Israel, following Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah strongholds in northern Lebanon, which resulted in significant damage and casualties.

In response, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized Israel's resolve to protect its northern residents, stating that military operations would continue until the region is secure. Reinforcing this stance, Army Chief Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi warned that Israel would "hit anyone who threatens" its citizens.

As the violence mounts, international leaders have urged restraint. U.S. President Joe Biden reiterated that further military escalation is not in Israel’s "best interest" and highlighted ongoing efforts to prevent a broader regional conflict. "We're going to do everything we can to keep a wider war from breaking out," Biden said. Similarly, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of the risk of Lebanon descending into chaos, potentially becoming "another Gaza" amid the ongoing Gaza-Israel conflict.

The situation worsened over the weekend when Hezbollah launched a barrage of rockets reaching Kiryat Bialik, near Haifa, Israel's largest northern city. In retaliation, Israel struck Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, including an airbase and military production facilities. The exchange of fire prompted Israel’s civil defense agency to order the closure of schools in the north.

Casualties continue to rise on both sides. Lebanon’s health ministry reported that three civilians were killed in Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah confirmed the deaths of two of its fighters. In addition, Israel's airstrike on Beirut’s densely populated Dahiyeh neighborhood killed Ibrahim Aqil, the head of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force.

Despite the heavy toll, Hezbollah remains undeterred. Qassem reiterated the group's readiness to face "all military possibilities," signaling a firm stance even as Israel intensifies its campaign to target Hezbollah's military infrastructure along the border.

Mediation efforts, led by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S., have made little progress. Attempts to negotiate a ceasefire and secure hostage releases have stalled. Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty acknowledged that the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah is hampering efforts to stabilize Gaza, where violence rages on.

The United Nations has warned that the region stands "on the brink of an imminent catastrophe," as fears of a full-scale war loom larger with every passing day.