An Israeli strike on a mosque in the Gaza Strip killed at least 19 people, as Israel intensified its bombardment of northern Gaza and southern Beirut in a widening war with Iran-allied militant groups across the region. Palestinians were sheltering at the mosque in Deir al-Balah when it was struck, along with a school housing displaced people nearby. The Israeli military claimed both strikes targeted militants, but did not provide evidence. The dead from the mosque strike were all men, according to hospital records.
Israel is engaged in battle with Hamas in Gaza and has opened a new front in Lebanon against Hezbollah. The conflict has escalated to involve Iran itself after Tehran launched a ballistic missile attack on Israel. The conflict risks pulling in the United States, as well as U.S.-allied Arab countries that host American forces. Iran-backed militant groups in Syria, Iraq and Yemen have also joined in with long-distance strikes on Israel.
Israeli forces announced a new air and ground offensive in Jabaliya, a densely populated refugee camp in northern Gaza. They called for the complete evacuation of northern Gaza, but estimates suggest up to 300,000 people remained in the heavily destroyed area despite earlier warnings to flee. Heavy Israeli strikes were reported across northern Gaza, with the Civil Defense saying they were unable to reach targeted homes and buildings due to the bombardment. Casualties and houses destroyed were reported by residents on social media.
In Beirut, airstrikes targeted Hezbollah militant sites in the southern suburbs, leading to loud explosions and a skyline lit up throughout the night. The bombardment was the heaviest since Sept. 23, hitting a gas station on the main highway to Beirut airport and a medical supplies warehouse, among others. Hezbollah claimed to have targeted Israeli soldiers in northern Israel with rocket fire. Lebanon has seen significant casualties and displacement from the ongoing conflict with Israel, which aims to drive Hezbollah away from its border.
French President Emmanuel Macron called for a partial arms embargo on Israel to facilitate a cease-fire, protect civilians, and pave the way for political solutions in the region. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded angrily to Macron’s remarks, calling them a disgrace. Macron’s office, however, reaffirmed France’s support for Israel while emphasizing the need for a halt to arms exports to Gaza. The conflict in the region continues to escalate, drawing in international players and causing significant casualties and displacement.
