It's heating up in the Middle East again 🌍🔥! Just hours before U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken touched down in Israel, Hezbollah announced it had launched rockets at two Israeli military bases near Tel Aviv and one west of Haifa early Tuesday morning.
Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, the year-long conflict between Israel and the Palestinian territory of Gaza, along with the spillover clashes with Hezbollah from Lebanon, shows no signs of cooling down ❄️➡️🔥.
Rocket Fire and Air Sirens 🚀🚨
Hezbollah claimed responsibility for firing rockets at the Glilot base—used by Unit 8200, Israel's military intelligence—and the Nirit area in Tel Aviv's suburbs. They also targeted a naval base outside Haifa. Israeli authorities reported air sirens blaring southeast of Tel Aviv due to a projectile crossing from Lebanon and landing in an open area. So far, no casualties have been reported.
Casualties in Lebanon 💔
Meanwhile, Lebanon's health ministry announced that the death toll from an Israeli strike near Hariri Hospital, Beirut's main government medical facility, had risen to 13. The night was marked by heavy Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon and Beirut's southern suburbs.
Blinken's 11th Visit Amid Rising Tensions 🛬
Blinken's arrival marks his 11th trip to the region since a significant attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which ignited the current Gaza war. He's set to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and other officials. His agenda includes discussing Israel's anticipated response to a ballistic missile attack allegedly launched by Iran on October 1.
Fears of a Wider Conflict 🌐
Allies are on edge 😰, worried that Israel's potential retaliation could shake oil markets and spark a larger war. Iran has lodged a complaint with the UN nuclear watchdog about Israeli threats to strike its nuclear sites. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that while Tehran doesn't seek war, it's ready to defend itself. \"We have our own tools to defend ourselves and our nuclear infrastructure,\" he said.
What's Next? 🤔
Blinken's discussions will also focus on the \"day after\" scenarios—issues like security, governance, and reconstruction once hostilities eventually cease. Having detailed plans for the future is seen as crucial for achieving a lasting peace.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
