An Israeli airstrike on a residential area in northern Gaza has killed at least 73 Palestinians, with rescue teams fearing more casualties trapped under the rubble, according to Gaza’s civil defense agency. The strike comes amid escalating conflict, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accusing Hezbollah of an assassination attempt and tensions surging across the region.
Heavy Toll in Beit Lahiya
Gaza’s civil defense spokesman, Mahmud Bassal, confirmed that the devastating airstrike in Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza, has resulted in at least 73 deaths and a large number of injuries. “Our civil defense crews recovered 73 martyrs and many wounded from under the rubble,” Bassal said. He also indicated that more bodies could still be buried beneath the debris. This attack marks one of the deadliest incidents in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian armed groups in Gaza.
Israel’s military, however, disputes the figures provided by Gaza authorities, stating that the toll “does not align” with their information.
Retaliation for Hezbollah’s Alleged Assassination Attempt
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Hezbollah of attempting to assassinate him and his wife. A drone strike targeted his residence in the town of Caesarea, but neither Netanyahu nor his wife were home during the attack. The strike comes amidst heightened tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, a Lebanese group aligned with Iran.
Netanyahu condemned the attack as a “grave mistake” and warned that Israel would retaliate severely against any forces that attempt to harm its citizens. “Anyone who tries to harm Israel’s citizens will pay a heavy price,” Netanyahu said, addressing Iran and its proxies, including Hezbollah.
Hezbollah’s Role in the Conflict
While Hezbollah has not officially claimed responsibility for the drone attack, Iran’s United Nations mission indicated that “this action was taken” by the group. The attempted strike on Netanyahu’s residence has further inflamed the already volatile situation, with Israeli military officials warning of severe consequences for Hezbollah and its allies.
Heavy Rocket Fire from Hezbollah
Hezbollah continues to launch sustained attacks on Israel, with over 200 projectiles fired into northern Israel on Saturday alone, according to Israeli military reports. The rocket fire has triggered frequent air raid sirens across northern Israel, particularly in Haifa and Caesarea, where residents have expressed deep concerns over their safety.
Ofek Mor, a 20-year-old resident of Caesarea, said he feels “unsafe like I’ve never felt before in Israel,” reflecting the growing anxiety among Israelis as the conflict intensifies.
Escalating Conflict Across the Region
The ongoing war between Israel and Hezbollah, which began in late September, shows no signs of de-escalating. Israel has been striking both Gaza and Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah strongholds and Palestinian factions. In addition to the airstrikes, Israeli forces have reported engaging in defensive measures to counter rocket and drone attacks.
The conflict, already claiming hundreds of lives, continues to fuel instability across the Middle East, with international leaders expressing concern over the growing violence. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke with Netanyahu, stating his alarm over the assassination attempt and the broader implications of the escalating conflict.
Humanitarian Concerns in Gaza
In Gaza, the humanitarian toll continues to rise as Israeli airstrikes pound densely populated areas. The high civilian death toll, including the tragic incident in Beit Lahiya, has raised urgent concerns among international human rights organizations. Gaza’s hospitals are reportedly overwhelmed, and rescue teams are struggling to recover survivors from the debris of destroyed buildings.
As the conflict rages on, the prospects for peace remain bleak, with both sides preparing for further escalation. Israel’s leadership has vowed to continue its military operations until the perceived threats from Hezbollah and other armed groups are neutralized.
