idf-strikes-hamas-in-gaza-hezbollah-in-lebanon

Israel conducted a series of airstrikes over the past day, targeting over 30 Hamas sites across Gaza, according to the Israel Defence Forces (IDF). In Rafah, the Air Force destroyed a rocket launching site shortly after it was used.

Additionally, a Hamas squad in a central Gaza building, which posed a threat to nearby ground forces, was targeted. Other strikes hit weapons storage facilities, Hamas operatives, and various infrastructure elements.

This escalation follows Hamas's devastating attacks on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of at least 1,200 people and the taking of 252 hostages, including Israelis and foreigners. Out of the 125 hostages still held, 39 are believed to be dead.

In a related development, Israeli fighter jets responded to Hezbollah rocket fire from Southern Lebanon by striking a military compound used by the group in the northern Beqaa Valley on Saturday night.

Other targets included command centres and facilities in southern Lebanese areas such as Bint Jbeil, Qana, and Baraachit. Since October, about 60,000 Israelis from northern communities have evacuated due to Hezbollah's daily rocket and drone attacks, which have resulted in 22 deaths, including Israel and foreign nationals.

Israeli officials have reiterated their calls for Hezbollah to be disarmed and removed from Southern Lebanon, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which was established to end the 2006 Second Lebanon War.

The resolution demands the disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon, ensuring that there are no weapons or authority other than that of the Lebanese state.