Israel Intensifies Airstrikes in Gaza and Lebanon

Israeli forces carried out fresh airstrikes in Gaza and Lebanon on Wednesday, killing at least 25 Palestinians. The strikes hit areas in Gaza under Hamas control, including Zeitoun, Shejaia, and Khan Younis, despite a shaky ceasefire in place since October. Health authorities reported that 10 people were killed in Zeitoun, and the rest in separate attacks across the region. Medics said the targets were mostly civilian areas, including a building used by Muslim religious authorities and a U.N.-run club housing displaced families.

The Israeli military said it struck Hamas targets after Palestinians fired at Israeli troops, violating the nearly six-week-old ceasefire. The ceasefire has shown signs of fragility, with repeated shooting incidents pointing to its collapse. Both Israel and Hamas blame each other for violations of the truce, which was brokered by the U.S. as part of a broader peace plan. The violence highlights the ongoing tensions and instability in Gaza, despite efforts to bring peace.

In addition to the Gaza airstrikes, Israel also intensified its military actions in south Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah positions. The Israeli military said it aimed to prevent a military resurgence by the Iran-backed group along the border. On Wednesday, Israeli airstrikes hit several villages, including Deir Kifa, Chehour, Aainata, and Tayr Filsay, creating thick smoke clouds. Israel issued warnings on social media before the attacks, telling residents to evacuate.

The violence in Lebanon resulted in at least one death, with the Lebanese health ministry reporting a fatality in the southern village of Al-Tiri. This marks a continuation of Israel’s nearly daily strikes in southern Lebanon as it seeks to weaken Hezbollah’s military presence. These airstrikes are part of Israel’s ongoing campaign to block Hezbollah from gaining strength in the region, further escalating tensions along the border.

Despite the ceasefire easing some of the violence, attacks continue. Palestinian health authorities say Israeli forces have killed 305 people in Gaza since October’s truce. This includes retaliatory strikes for attacks on Israeli troops. While the ceasefire allowed humanitarian aid and some return of displaced Palestinians, the fragile peace is increasingly being tested by ongoing violence on both sides.

READ MORE : Israeli Airstrike in Sidon Kills 13, Hamas Denies Target

An Israeli airstrike on the southern Lebanese city of Sidon killed at least 13 people and injured several others, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. The strike targeted the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp, located near Sidon, which is home to many Palestinian refugees. The attack occurred on Tuesday, drawing condemnation from both local authorities and Palestinian groups.

The Israeli military stated that it hit a training compound used by Hamas militants in the camp. According to Israel, the compound was involved in planning attacks against Israel. The military claimed that militants operating in the area were being targeted in an effort to secure the region from further violence.