Middle East crisis: Despite initial hopes that the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar on Wednesday might lead to a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, both Hamas and Hezbollah have committed to continued resistance. This has heightened fears of further escalation across the Middle East. Diplomatic and military sources speculate that, with the US elections nearing, Israel is preparing to intensify its military campaign to secure its borders and prevent its adversaries from regrouping.Gaza hit by deadly Israeli airstrikeAccording to Al Jazeera, an Israeli airstrike on Beit Lahiya, a northern region of Gaza, has resulted in the deaths of at least 73 people. Many others remain trapped beneath the rubble, with the death toll expected to rise as rescue efforts continue, per Gazas Government Media Office. This is one of the deadliest strikes in recent days amid ongoing hostilities.Lebanons Hezbollah targeted tooIn a parallel military offensive, Israel launched strikes on Hezbollah-controlled areas in southern Beirut on Saturday. The attack was a response to rocket fire from southern Lebanon into northern Israel and a drone strike aimed at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus holiday residence. While Netanyahu was not present at the time of the drone attack, a spokesperson stated it was unclear whether the property had been hit. Netanyahu later described the attempt on his and his wifes lives as a grave mistake.Israeli Forces increase pressureAmid ongoing conflict, Israel is stepping up its military operations. Leaflets dropped over southern Gaza on Saturday featured an image of the slain Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and a warning that Hamas will no longer rule Gaza. This is part of Israels broader effort to dismantle the militant groups influence in the region.Sources suggest that with the approach of US elections, Israel is keen to intensify its military campaigns to secure its borders and weaken adversarial groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah.Rocket fire from Lebanon triggers alarm in IsraelIn the wake of the recent escalations, air raid sirens blared across northern Israel on Saturday, with reports of rockets launched from southern Lebanon. Explosions were heard as Israeli defense systems intercepted the incoming rockets. Affected areas near the southern Lebanese border included Kiryat Shmona, Kfar Giladi, Metula, and Maayan Baruch.The situation remains fluid, with both Hamas and Hezbollah showing no signs of backing down, and Israel continuing to increase its military pressure on multiple fronts.
