GAZA/JERUSALEM- In a rapidly unfolding crisis, Israel has launched a series of air strikes on Gaza, while also targeting southern Lebanon. These actions come in the wake of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convening his top military officials and war cabinet to evaluate the situation, which has been escalating.
Israel's recent attacks have been concentrated in the center and north of the Gaza Strip, leading to casualties and damage. In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, two Palestinians were killed in the Jalazone refugee camp during confrontations with Israeli forces.
Health authorities in Gaza have reported a significant toll from the two-week-long bombardment, with at least 4,600 people killed. This devastating conflict began after a Hamas incursion into southern Israeli communities, resulting in fatalities and hostages.
Efforts to address the situation are being made on various fronts.
Palestinian Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian discussed ways to halt what they described as "brutal crimes" committed by Israel in Gaza.
Israel's military has positioned tanks and troops near the Gaza border, hinting at a potential ground invasion aimed at eliminating Hamas. This has sparked concerns that the Israel-Hamas conflict could escalate and trigger a broader Middle East crisis.
The United States, expressing concerns for its interests in the region, has deployed advanced air defenses and naval assets, including two aircraft carriers and 2,000 Marines. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the possibility of an escalation of attacks on American forces in the region.
China's Middle East special envoy, Zhai Jun, visiting the area, also noted the increasing risk of a large-scale ground conflict and the spillover of violence into neighboring regions.
Iran's strategy, as reported by Iranian security officials, involves its proxies, such as Hezbollah, conducting limited strikes on Israeli and U.S. targets to avoid a major escalation that could involve Iran directly.
The conflict has not been limited to Gaza. In Syria, Israeli missiles targeted Damascus and Aleppo international airports, resulting in casualties and disruptions.
On the northern border with Lebanon, the Iran-backed Hezbollah group has clashed with Israeli forces in support of Hamas. Israeli military actions have targeted Hezbollah cells and installations in Lebanon.
As violence continues to escalate near Israel's borders, the country has expanded its evacuation contingency plan to include 14 additional communities close to Lebanon and Syria.
Meanwhile, international efforts are underway to provide aid to Gaza, which has been suffering from a lack of essential supplies. A convoy of aid trucks recently entered the besieged Gaza Strip, and U.S. President Joe Biden, along with other world leaders, is working to ensure the flow of critical assistance into Gaza.
While world leaders expressed support for Israel's right to defend itself, they also called for adherence to international humanitarian law, emphasizing the importance of protecting civilians.
Diplomatic efforts are ongoing, with leaders engaging in discussions to address the crisis and prevent its further escalation.