New Delhi: Hezbollah has escalated its conflict with Israel by launching a ballistic missile aimed at Tel Aviv early Wednesday. It targeted mainly Tel Aviv including the Mossad office. This strike followed a series of devastating Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon that left hundreds dead and intensified the already volatile situation between the two parties. The Lebanese militant group, Hezbollah, fired rockets targeting northern Israel as the conflict spread across the region.Missile interception, retaliationAccording to the Israeli military, the surface-to-surface missile launched by Hezbollah was intercepted by Israels defense system before it could cause any damage or casualties. The attack triggered air raid sirens throughout Tel Aviv and central Israel, stirring widespread alarm. In retaliation, Israel responded swiftly, striking the missiles launch site located in southern Lebanon.🇱🇧🇮🇱HEZBOLLAH ATTACKS TEL AVIV FOR FIRST TIMEIn a significant escalation, Hezbollah launched a new medium-range ballistic missile at the Mossad HQ on the outskirts of Tel Aviv.Its not only the first time theyve targeted Tel Aviv, its the first time theyve used the Qadr-1… https://t.co/iqBrP6buOm pic.twitter.com/N2jufLEjpE— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) September 25, 2024Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the missile, identifying it as a Qader 1 ballistic missile. The group asserted that the target of the strike was the headquarters of Israels Mossad intelligence agency, blaming Mossad for a series of targeted assassinations of its commanders. Hezbollah also accused Israel of orchestrating a recent deadly bombing that killed dozens of people using hidden explosives in pagers and walkie-talkies.Escalation in the regionThis latest missile attack marked the first time in recent memory that a projectile from Lebanon reached as far as central Israel. Previously, Hezbollah claimed to have targeted an Israeli intelligence base near Tel Aviv, but Israeli authorities did not confirm the report. The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has gradually escalated over the last 11 months, with Hezbollah firing rockets and missiles in support of Palestinian militants and Hamas, an Iran-backed group, in Gaza.Hezbollah has been firing rockets at #Israel this morning, targeting mainly Tel Aviv including the Mossad office.Most of the rockets have been intercepted by the Davids Sling system.No casualty or major damage so far.Waiting with 🍿 for the Israel offensive. pic.twitter.com/WtBis7N52c— Abhijit Majumder (@abhijitmajumder) September 25, 2024As tensions between the two sides continue to rise, Israel has escalated its air campaign, carrying out numerous airstrikes on Hezbollah strongholds. On Monday and Tuesday, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 560 people in Lebanon, forcing thousands to flee. Many families have sought refuge in Beirut, Sidon, and along the Lebanese coast, while others have tried to leave the country, causing heavy traffic at the Syrian border.Increased airstrikes and civilian casualtiesIsraeli fighter jets launched additional airstrikes on Tuesday, targeting Hezbollahs weapons stockpiles and rocket launchers in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa region. Despite Israels heavy airstrikes, the military has not indicated any immediate plans for a ground invasion, leaving the possibility of further escalation open.The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has already displaced thousands of people, further destabilizing the region. Hezbollah has vowed to continue its rocket attacks in solidarity with Palestinians until a ceasefire is reached in Gaza, though such a resolution appears increasingly unlikely. Meanwhile, Israel has moved thousands of troops to the northern border in anticipation of further escalation.International response and humanitarian crisisThe escalating violence has prompted the U.N. Security Council to schedule an emergency meeting on Wednesday at Frances request to discuss the crisis. The ongoing conflict has also worsened Lebanons humanitarian crisis, with the country still grappling with the aftermath of last weeks deadly bombings. These attacks, blamed on Israel, killed 39 people and injured nearly 3,000.Tuesdays missile launch by Hezbollah was followed by another salvo of 300 rockets, which injured six Israeli soldiers and civilians. Lebanons Health Ministry reported that at least 564 people, including 50 children and 94 women, have been killed in Israeli strikes since Monday, with over 1,800 others wounded.The situation in the Middle East remains precarious as tensions between Israel and Hezbollah continue to mount. With no signs of de-escalation in sight, both sides appear to be bracing for a potential all-out war that could engulf the region in further turmoil.
