Heavy Israeli bombardment rocked northern Gaza on Saturday following airstrikes that killed at least 22 people, while strikes on southern Lebanon injured a UN peacekeeper amid escalating tensions between Israel, Hamas, and Hezbollah. Israel’s military warned civilians to evacuate in both Gaza and Lebanon, signaling that its offensives against the militant groups will continue.
In Lebanon, the UN peacekeeping force’s headquarters in Naqoura was struck for the third consecutive day. A peacekeeper was wounded by gunfire, though it is unclear who was responsible. The incident occurred following Israeli warnings for peacekeepers to vacate their positions. UN officials expressed growing concerns over the safety of Lebanon’s infrastructure, with fears that its ports and airport could be targeted.
Meanwhile, residents in northern Gaza described the dire situation they are facing as supplies run low. The UN World Food Program reported that no food aid had entered the region since October 1, leaving an estimated 400,000 people without assistance. Israeli airstrikes have severely damaged northern Gaza, displacing 90% of its population and forcing many to move repeatedly, either on foot or in overcrowded vehicles.
The Israeli military renewed its offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon, responding to rocket strikes by the Iran-backed group. Israel claimed to have killed 50 militants in Lebanon and over 20 in Gaza. Airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed 13 civilians and injured others, further escalating tensions in the region. Despite the violence, many residents of Gaza, including those in Jabaliya, have refused to evacuate, vowing to stay in their homes despite the destruction around them.
As the conflict rages on, the international community is increasingly concerned about the humanitarian crisis, with food supplies dwindling and hospitals overwhelmed. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin urged Israeli officials to prioritize the safety of UN peacekeepers and pivot to a diplomatic approach to resolve the conflict.
