An Israeli airstrike on Beirut killed a high-ranking Hezbollah commander, Ibrahim Qubaisi, on Tuesday, as cross-border rocket attacks escalated, raising concerns of a full-scale war in the Middle East. Hezbollah confirmed Qubaisi's death early Wednesday, stating that he led their missile and rocket operations. Israel had earlier announced the airstrike, stating it was part of its ongoing military actions. Since Monday, Israeli strikes in Lebanon have resulted in 569 deaths, including 50 children, and injured 1,835 people, according to Lebanon’s Health Minister Firass Abiad in an interview with Al Jazeera Mubasher TV.

The intensified offensive against Hezbollah has heightened fears that the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas in Gaza could spiral into a broader regional war. In response, Britain urged its citizens to leave Lebanon, deploying 700 troops to Cyprus to assist with evacuations. Meanwhile, the U.N. Security Council scheduled a meeting for Wednesday to address the growing crisis.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that Lebanon was "on the brink" and cautioned against it becoming a second Gaza. U.S. President Joe Biden, speaking at the U.N. General Assembly, called for de-escalation and suggested that diplomacy could still prevent a wider war. However, Lebanon's Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib criticized Biden’s remarks as weak, stating that only the U.S. could truly influence events in the region, given its close ties to Israel. He emphasized that Washington is key to resolving the crisis.

In Beirut, thousands of displaced Lebanese citizens fleeing southern areas sought refuge in schools and other temporary shelters. Volunteers were providing essential supplies such as water, medicine, and food. In one classroom at the Technical Institute of Bir Hassan, children, some as young as 11 months old, tried to pass the time amidst the stress of displacement. Rima Ali Chahine, one of the refugees, noted that the situation was especially difficult for the children, who were exhausted and unable to sleep due to the ongoing violence.

Early Wednesday, Israeli airstrikes hit the town of Jiyyeh, north of the Israeli border, further stoking tensions. Lebanese officials estimate that half a million people have been displaced. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati is expected to meet U.S. officials soon, in hopes of finding a diplomatic solution.

Efforts by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt to broker a ceasefire in Gaza have so far failed. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned Israel’s actions, calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and warning of the risk of further regional destabilization.

Israel's military confirmed "extensive strikes" on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, targeting rocket launchers and weapons depots. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant claimed these strikes significantly weakened Hezbollah’s operational capabilities, though the group continued to launch attacks on Israeli military positions, including the Dado and Atlit bases.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah escalated its attacks, targeting northern Israel with rockets and drones. Israel’s air defenses intercepted a missile aimed at Tel Aviv, though no casualties or damage were reported.

In the midst of the violence, protests erupted in U.S. cities, where demonstrators opposed U.S. military support for Israel, demanding an end to the supply of weapons. Protests were held in New York, Washington, and other cities, with activists carrying banners like "Hands off Lebanon" and calling for an arms embargo.

The U.S. has consistently supported Israel, with Biden reaffirming this stance, although he has also called for a ceasefire in Gaza. The war in Gaza, which began in October after Hamas' deadly attack on Israel, has killed over 41,000 people in Gaza, caused widespread displacement, and led to accusations of genocide, which Israel denies.

Israel’s ongoing offensive in Lebanon is part of its broader campaign targeting Hezbollah, who are backed by Iran. With over 560 Lebanese killed and more than 1,800 injured, concerns are mounting that the conflict could spread further, destabilizing the wider Middle East. Diplomatic efforts continue as global leaders gather at the U.N. to discuss the crisis.