Israel launched major air strikes on Gaza Strip and Lebanon at dawn on Friday, claiming that the Palestinians were being targeted group agitation in revenge for alleged missile attacks.
It was reportedly the largest missile fired from Lebanon since Israel fought a devastating 34-day war. with Iranian-backed group Hezbollah in 2006.
He was also the first The time that Israel confirmed attack on Lebanese territory since April 2022.
An Israeli army statement said that the shelling began at around 4 am (1 am GMT) and targeted the Gaza Strip and southern Lebanon.
And AFP journalists heard explosions in Lebanon photos region As well as the Gaza Strip where the Israeli air The raids began before midnight.
AFP journalists in photo area They said they heard at least three explosions shortly after Friday’s bombing, and a resident was heard of A nearby Palestinian refugee camp said it “heard explosions”.
“At least two shells landed near the camp,” Abu Ahmed told AFP.
Tensions between Israel and the Palestinians run high during the Jewish holiday of Passover and the Muslim holiday of RAMADAN month international calls for self-control.
the latest glow-up of Violence comes after the Israeli police on On Wednesday, Palestinians attacked Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem – the third holiest place in Islam.
Earlier Thursday, the Israeli military claimed more More than 30 missiles were launched from Lebanese territory.
The Lebanese army said found and dismantle the multiple rocket launcher in olive grove in Marjeyoun area Near the border, still loaded with six Rockets ready for fire in Israel.
In the Gaza Strip, the Israeli army claimed hit Two tunnels and two “arms manufacturing sites” belonging to Hamas, in response to the security violations of Hamas through last some days.”
said the army air The defenses intercepted 25 missiles while intercepting five hit Israeli territory.
‘heavy price”
Israeli army spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Richard Hecht blamed armed Palestinian groups for The missile fire From Lebanon.
“we know for sure It’s a Palestinian fire, “It could be Hamas and Islamic Jihad,” he told reporters.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: Israel’s response tonight… in the futureit will require weight price. “
Hamas that rules The Gaza Strip condemned the “horrific Israeli aggression” and said it “maintains the Israeli occupation in full.” responsible for Results.”
The Palestinian Ministry of Health said that “partial damage” was caused to the al-Durra children’s hospital in Gaza City in Night strikes, denouncing “unacceptable” work.
Hecht said the Israeli army was aware of this of Palestinian claim and consideration.
United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which patrols area Along the Israeli border, he urged restraint.
Both sides (Lebanon and Israel) said they would not do so want UNIFIL said “war” in a permit.
“Actions over the past Dangerous day and risk And I warned of a dangerous escalation.”
Acting Lebanon prime minister Najib Mikati had ruled on Thursday out Any “escalation” from his country after the missile attack.
Israeli emergency services reported one A man was wounded by shrapnel, and a woman was slightly injured as she ran to a shelter.
He checks for damage office in City of Shlomi, 46-year-old Shlomi Naaman told AFP: “I heard the sirens, I heard the bangs, I was in for me homeit was very very scary. “
raid a mosque
It was the Israeli riot police on Wed stormed the chapel of Al-Aqsa Mosque in A pre-dawn raid aimed at flushing out “youth outlaws and masked agitators” said they barricaded themselves inside.
Violence sparked an exchange of rocket and air strikes with activists in Gaza strip.
The United States said it recognized Israel’s “legitimate right to self-defense.” against all forms of Foreign Ministry spokesman Vedant Patel told reporters.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on All actors to practice maximum self-control”.
Hamas and Islamic Jihad told Egypt, the long-standing mediator between Israel and the armed groups, that “Palestinian factions will continue to fire rockets. fire If Israel continues its aggressions and air strikes, but if these attacks stop, so will the fire,” Palestinian sources said.
The Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on the international community to press on Israel stops its escalation.”
The missile fire It came a day after the arrival of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Lebanon for Visit.
Haniyeh said late Thursday that the Palestinians would not “sit down.” with their arms crossed” in the face of Israeli “aggression”. against Al-Aqsa.
