Recent events have escalated tensions in the Middle East, bringing the region closer to a feared regional war. The situation unfolded after Iran launched a missile attack on Israel, prompting Israel to conduct limited ground incursions into Lebanon targeting the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia. While Israel claimed to have intercepted many of the missiles, Iran stated that most of its missiles hit their intended targets, with no immediate reports of casualties.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed retaliation against Iran, emphasizing that Iran would pay for its actions. In response, an Iranian commander threatened wider strikes on infrastructure if Israel retaliates against Iran's territory. The United Nations Security Council has called an emergency meeting to address the escalating conflict.
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The Lebanese army confirmed that Israeli forces breached Lebanese territory, conducting a brief incursion before withdrawing. Hezbollah reported engaging in a battle with Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon villages. Additionally, Israel's foreign minister barred the UN chief from entering Israel, citing bias against the country.
Israeli police reported seven fatalities in a shooting attack in a Tel Aviv suburb, with two Palestinian men from the West Bank identified as the assailants. Among the victims was a Greek national. The death toll in an Israeli military operation in southern Gaza has risen to 51, with numerous civilian casualties reported.
Iran's Supreme Leader criticized the presence of American and European nations in the Middle East, calling for their withdrawal. The Israeli military issued evacuation warnings for 24 villages in southern Lebanon, and Spain announced plans to evacuate its citizens from the region.
France reiterated its commitment to Israel's protection and condemned Iran's missile attack. Meanwhile, India expressed deep concern over the escalating situation in the Middle East, advising its citizens against traveling to Iran.
