Israel has declared its intention to launch an attack on targets in Lebanon following the firing of a rocket from Lebanon, marking the first such incident since a ceasefire in November. The Israeli army reported that missiles were directed at the town of Metula, raising concerns about the continuity of the fragile ceasefire with the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) expressed alarm over the potential escalation of violence, emphasizing the serious consequences such escalation could have for the region. In response to the rocket fire, the Israel Defence Force (IDF) stated that severe retaliation would be carried out, holding the State of Lebanon responsible for adhering to the ceasefire agreement.
President Joseph Aoun of Lebanon condemned the actions that could lead to a resurgence of violence in the region, emphasizing the collective efforts of the Lebanese people towards peace. President Aoun urged all relevant forces in southern Lebanon, including the monitoring committee established under the November 2024 agreement and the army, to closely monitor the situation to prevent any negative outcomes and address any violations or oversights that could jeopardize the country’s stability.
The recent airstrikes occurred on the heels of Israel’s announcement of intensified operations in Gaza until the release of 59 hostages held by Hamas, with 24 captives believed to be alive. Israeli strikes conducted late at night resulted in the deaths of at least nine individuals, including three children, in a Gaza City residence as confirmed by Al-Ahly Hospital. Israel’s military further disclosed plans for additional assaults in three neighborhoods west of Gaza City, urging Palestinians to evacuate these areas through social media notifications.