New Delhi: Hezbollah, based in Lebanon, launched a significant rocket and drone attack on Israel on Thursday. This action was in response to the killing of a top commander, escalating the conflict that has been worsening across the border. The violence, which started with the Gaza war, has been growing for months between Hezbollah, supported by Iran and Israel. Both sides aim to avoid a full-scale war and diplomats are trying to prevent further escalation.Border conflict and retaliationThe recent violence unfolded in areas near the border, a pattern seen over the past nine months. Beirut and other parts of Lebanon experienced sonic booms for the second consecutive day due to Israeli jets breaking the sound barrier.Hezbollah claimed responsibility for firing over 200 rockets and numerous drones at ten Israeli military sites. This retaliation followed Israels killing of Hezbollah commander Mohammed Nasser in southern Lebanon the previous day, marking a significant loss for Hezbollah during the conflict.The Israeli military reported intercepting 200 projectiles and over 20 suspicious aerial targets crossing into Israeli territory from Lebanon. Although no casualties were reported, fires were started by some of the drones and interceptor shrapnel.Israel responded by targeting Hezbollah military installations in the villages of Ramyeh and Houla in southern Lebanon. Hezbollahs senior official, Hashem Safieddine, at an event in Beirut honoring Nasser, indicated that their targeting would expand to new locations unexpected by the enemyHezbollah launches 200 rockets and a swarm of drones at 10 Israeli military sites.#Israel says fire from Lebanon has killed 18 soldiers and 10 civilians.The attack targeted Israeli military bases and settlements, including the Golan Heights and the city of Nahariyya. The… pic.twitter.com/k8VR1KVwe6— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) July 4, 2024Hezbollah claimed responsibility for an attack involving rockets and drones on multiple Israeli military sites.Several fires broke out in the occupied Syrian Golan as well as Al-Jalil, in northern Israel. pic.twitter.com/CDJL8Ojk0l— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) July 4, 2024Some of the latest footage of the many fires in the north of Israel due to the massive barrages of rocketsYou can actually help us prevent these fires from spreading by going to the tweet attached to this one below https://t.co/3l6UrjEB5K pic.twitter.com/KCc86i8s7T— Documenting Israel (@DocumentIsrael) July 4, 2024Diplomatic Push The United States is leading the diplomatic push to reduce the fighting. Hezbollah has stated it wont stop fighting until Israel ends its attacks in the Gaza Strip. The conflict has caused significant suffering on both sides of the border, forcing tens of thousands of people to flee their homes.According to a White House representative, Amos Hochstein, a senior U.S. official involved in diplomacy, discussed efforts with French officials on Wednesday. France and the United States share the goal of resolving the current conflict across the Blue Line by diplomatic means, allowing Israeli and Lebanese civilians to return home with long-term assurances of safety and security, the official said, referring to the demarcation line between the two neighbours.Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant stated on Wednesday that Israeli forces are targeting Hezbollah aggressively every day and are prepared to take further action if necessary, although they prefer a negotiated solution.Hezbollah retaliated on Wednesday by launching rockets at Israel following the killing of Nasser.After Hezbollahs Palestinian ally Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, Hezbollah began targeting Israeli positions along the Lebanon border.According to media reports, it is estimated that Israeli attacks in Lebanon have killed over 300 Hezbollah fighters and about 90 civilians. Israel reports that fire from Lebanon has killed 18 soldiers and 10 civilians.
