Escalating Middle East Tensions: Israeli Strikes and Hezbollah Retaliations

Israel conducted airstrikes on Beirut's suburbs, targeting Hezbollah, leading to thousands fleeing. Hezbollah responded with rocket attacks, indicating escalating tensions. Israel also targeted infrastructure linked to Hezbollah weapon smuggling. The conflict has sparked concerns of a wider Middle East war, with Iran threatening retaliation should Israel strike further.

In a series of intensified airstrikes, Israel targeted Hezbollah strongholds in suburban Beirut, causing widespread destruction and forcing thousands to flee. The recent military actions have heightened fears of an escalating conflict in the volatile Middle East region.

Israel's military operations aimed to cripple Hezbollah, notably striking a vital border crossing used for weapons smuggling. The bombardment resulted in several casualties, with Beirut's southern suburbs bearing the brunt of the attacks. Hezbollah responded swiftly, launching approximately 100 rockets into Israeli territories, further exacerbating tensions.

Amid the ongoing hostilities, Iran issued a stark warning of retaliation if Israel persists in its aggressive stance. The potential for a broader confrontation looms as diplomatic efforts struggle to quell the violence that has already displaced over a million people across the Lebanese-Syrian border.

(With inputs from agencies.)