Israeli Air Force strikes Hezbollah targets in Lebanon
Israeli Air Force on Tuesday claimed to have hit targets linked to the Iran-backed terror group Hezbollah in Lebanon overnight. The air strikes reportedly come in response to missiles fired by Hezbollah toward Israel on Monday. The Air Force reportedly said the operation targeted Hezbollah's "terror targets and military infrastructure." This comes amid the growing fears of an escalation between the pro-Iran Lebanese group Hezbollah, an ally of Hamas, and Israel.
Why does this story matter?
On Sunday, Hezbollah reportedly launched six anti-tank missiles toward an Israeli town and military positions on its Lebanon border, killing a soldier and one civilian, per The Times of Israel. Palestinian terror groups like the Islamic Jihad and Hamas have also reportedly been launching air and ground attacks to infiltrate Israel. The Israeli military on Monday accused Iran of ordering the Sunday attacks by Hezbollah. This came after Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel from Gaza on October 7.
Iran warns of consequences for Israeli actions in Gaza
Amid Israel's retaliatory strikes against Hamas in Gaza, Iran cautioned Israel it would face serious consequences for its actions, hinting at "preemptive action." Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said leaders of the "resistance front" wouldn't let Israel act in Gaza without repercussions. "Resistance force" refers to regional countries and forces that oppose Israel and the United States. This warning comes as the death toll in Gaza continues to rise, with over 2,800 people killed, including 700 children.
Biden to visit Israel amid ongoing conflict with Hamas
Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden is scheduled to visit Israel on Wednesday to discuss the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The development came as the conflict entered its 11th day. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the visit on Tuesday, highlighting Israel's "right to self-defense." Blinken also mentioned the US and Israel have agreed to create a plan for humanitarian aid from donor nations and multilateral organizations to reach civilians in Gaza.
UN Security Council rejects Russian resolution
Separately, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) rejected a Russian resolution condemning the escalating violence in the Middle East. Delegates refused to support a motion that did not specifically call out Hamas for its surprise attack on Israel on October 7. The council convened as Israel prepared for a possible ground assault on the Gaza Strip. Moreover, UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths is traveling to Cairo to negotiate aid delivery through the Rafah crossing.
Hamas reportedly shared footage of hostage
Per reports, Hamas has shared footage of a kidnapped hostage, 21-year-old Mia Shem, who was captured on October 7 during the group's attack on a music festival in Israel. The video, posted on Hamas's Telegram channel on Monday, showed Shem receiving medical care for her injured hand and pleading to be returned home. Hamas claimed to have captured nearly 200 hostages, including some top Israeli officials.
