The ongoing war between Hezbollah and Israel escalated dramatically on Sunday as the Lebanese armed group fired approximately 250 rockets and projectiles into Israel, marking the heaviest barrage in weeks. The attack, a response to deadly Israeli airstrikes in Beirut, injured seven people and sent sirens wailing across central and northern Israel, including Tel Aviv.
The surge in violence comes as international efforts to broker a ceasefire intensify, with both sides trading deadly strikes that have claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions.
The Latest Escalation
Hezbollah’s rocket fire followed a series of Israeli airstrikes on Saturday that hit central Beirut without warning. According to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, the strikes killed at least 29 people and wounded 67 others. The Israeli military said it targeted Hezbollah command centers in Beirut’s southern suburbs, known as Dahiyeh.
In response, Hezbollah launched its largest single-day attack in months. Rockets struck multiple locations, including a residential building in Haifa and areas near Tel Aviv. The Israeli military reported intercepting some projectiles, while others caused injuries and property damage.
Israeli airstrikes also targeted southern Lebanon, killing one Lebanese soldier and wounding 18 others, according to Lebanon’s military.
The Toll of the War
The conflict, which erupted in full scale in September, has devastated both nations. Lebanon has reported over 3,700 deaths and the displacement of 1.2 million people, while Israel has faced 140 casualties, including civilians and soldiers, and the displacement of 60,000 residents from its northern regions.
The destruction has strained Lebanon’s already fragile infrastructure, while Israel’s northern towns have endured relentless bombardment.
Ceasefire Efforts Face Obstacles
Despite the intensifying violence, international negotiators continue their push for a ceasefire. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell met with Lebanese officials on Sunday, calling for increased pressure on both Israel and Hezbollah to reach a truce.
“We’re on the verge of a deal, pending final approval from the Israeli government,” Borrell stated, adding that the EU is prepared to allocate €200 million ($208 million) to bolster the Lebanese military’s presence in southern Lebanon.
The proposed agreement would require Hezbollah and Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon below the Litani River, enabling Lebanese troops and UN peacekeepers to take control of the area as outlined in a 2006 UN resolution.
The Bigger Picture
Hezbollah’s involvement in the conflict is tied to its alliance with Hamas, which launched a deadly attack on Israel from Gaza in October 2023. The group frames its attacks as solidarity with Palestinians, further complicating the regional dynamics.
Iran, a supporter of both Hezbollah and Hamas, has faced growing scrutiny for its role in the conflict. Meanwhile, the Biden administration and international allies continue to work toward a diplomatic solution, though progress remains elusive amid the escalating violence.