Ceasefire-busting attacks across the Middle East have intensified, with airstrikes in southern Lebanon killing 32 people and injuring 40 others in one of the deadliest onslaughts of the war. The violence has sparked widespread panic as locals flee the south, while all three ceasefires in the region—between Israel and Hezbollah, the US and Iran, and Israel and Hamas—remain under severe strain.
Israel Escalates Operations in Lebanon
The latest escalation follows a warning by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel would escalate its operations against Hezbollah, further pushing troops into Lebanon. Hezbollah has stepped up missile attacks on Israeli troops in northern Israel, hitting civilian sites, even as their Tehran paymasters claim negotiations are ongoing. The Iran-backed group meanwhile said it faced Israeli troops entering the southern town of Zawtar al-Sharqiyah, as Israeli troops expand ground operations.
Fourteen people were killed in Burj al-Shamali near Tyre, five in Kawthariyat al-Riz, four in Habbush, six in Maarakeh, and two in Salaa. Heavy explosions were reported in the Lebanese city of Nabatieh, one of 50 southern and eastern towns warned by Israel that an attack was coming. Netanyahu stated, "The Israeli military is operating with substantial forces on the ground and securing strategically dominant positions. We are reinforcing the security buffer zone in order to protect the communities of northern Israel."
Hamas Commander Killed in Gaza
Even as talks continue, Israel killed the commander of Hamas’s military arm, Mohammed Odeh, in Gaza yesterday after tracking him for months. At least three Palestinians were killed and dozens more were injured in the major attack, which hit a residential building in one of Gaza City's busiest market areas. Israel's military and Shin Bet spy agency said buildings that served as a hideout for Odeh were targeted. There has been no immediate comment from Hamas. This is the latest deadly Israeli strike on Gaza despite a ceasefire with Hamas that began in October.
US-Iran Tensions Rise
Tehran officials have slammed US attacks, claiming there is ‘zero trust’ following American forces striking southern Iran earlier this week. A spokesman for Iranian forces warned of a “much heavier response” to US attacks, which appeared to breach an April 8 ceasefire even as peace talks are underway. They even hinted their response could go well “beyond regional borders,” sparking fears of a wider Middle East war. Despite the violence, Washington and Tehran accept they are in the final stages of a memorandum of understanding, although it is believed the sides have incompatible demands. America wants an agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme plus the freeing up of the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran has not, it is believed, accepted the nuclear demands. Tehran also wants to include Lebanon and Hezbollah in any lasting peace agreement.
