Israeli Strikes Escalate in Gaza and Southern Beirut Amid Widening Regional Conflict

An Israeli airstrike on a mosque in the Gaza Strip early Sunday killed at least 19 people, according to Palestinian officials. Israel intensified its bombardment of northern Gaza and southern Beirut, targeting Iran-allied militant groups as the war expands.

Ongoing Battle with Hamas and New Front Against Hezbollah

Israel is still engaged in a conflict with Hamas in Gaza nearly a year after the group’s deadly October 7 attack. Meanwhile, a new front has opened against Hezbollah in Lebanon, as both sides exchange fire along the border. Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has increased its involvement in the conflict, while Israel has vowed to strike Iran in retaliation for a recent ballistic missile attack launched by Tehran.

This escalating conflict risks involving the United States, which provides critical military and diplomatic support to Israel. Additionally, U.S.-allied Arab nations that host American forces could also be drawn in. Other Iran-backed militant groups in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen have joined the fray by launching their own attacks on Israel.

Heavy Strikes and Evacuation Orders in Gaza

The airstrike in Gaza targeted a mosque in Deir al-Balah, where displaced civilians were sheltering. Israel claimed that the mosque housed a Hamas command center, though it did not provide evidence for this claim. A journalist from the Associated Press counted 19 bodies, all male, at the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital morgue.

Simultaneously, Israel has launched new offensives in Jabaliya, a densely populated area in northern Gaza, further intensifying its military operations. Israeli forces have encircled the area, and warplanes are striking militant positions in preparation for an advance. Despite earlier evacuation orders, an estimated 300,000 people remain in northern Gaza.

Avichay Adraee, spokesperson for the Israeli military, stated that the “humanitarian zone” in southern Gaza has been expanded, encouraging civilians to move there. However, Israeli strikes have also targeted militants operating within this zone. Local journalists reported heavy bombardments across northern Gaza, with many homes and buildings destroyed, making it impossible for first responders to reach the impacted areas.

The Palestinian death toll in Gaza has reached nearly 42,000, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilian and militant deaths. Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel left 1,200 dead, and the group continues to hold about 100 hostages, some of whom are presumed dead.

Southern Beirut Under Heavy Bombardment

Israeli airstrikes also targeted Hezbollah positions in southern Beirut, particularly in the Dahiyeh neighborhood, a stronghold of the group. The strikes reportedly hit infrastructure linked to Hezbollah, including a building near Lebanon’s only international airport.

Hezbollah responded by launching rockets into northern Israel, claiming it successfully targeted Israeli soldiers. These claims, however, could not be independently verified. Israeli officials confirmed that 30 projectiles were fired from Lebanon, with some intercepted by defense systems.

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has resulted in 1,400 Lebanese deaths, including civilians and Hezbollah fighters. Over a million people have been displaced in Lebanon due to the fighting. Israel’s goal remains to push Hezbollah away from its northern border to allow displaced Israeli citizens to return to their homes.

Growing International Concern

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called for a ceasefire in both Gaza and Lebanon following Iran’s missile strikes on Israel. However, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue defending Israel against all attacks, stating that “Israel has the right to protect itself.”

As tensions rise across the region, the involvement of multiple militant groups could lead to broader instability, with increasing risks of U.S. involvement. The conflict is reaching a critical point, marking a dangerous phase in the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian struggle and pushing the region toward further escalation.