THREAD: israel strikes

ISRAEL STRIKES Lebanon: Preventing Hezbollah’s Deadly Attacks

25 August 2024 — Israel launched airstrikes across southern Lebanon early Sunday, targeting Hezbollah. The militant group had launched rockets and drones in retaliation for the killing of one of its top commanders last month. The Israeli military stated the strikes were to prevent a heavy barrage of rockets and missiles toward Israel.

Hezbollah responded by attacking Israeli military positions, citing the death of Fouad Shukur, one of its founders, in an Israeli airstrike last month. By mid-morning, both sides claimed they targeted only military positions. At least three people died in Lebanon, with no reported casualties in Israel.

The situation remains tense as U.S. and Arab mediators attempt to broker a cease-fire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. Hezbollah has indicated it will stop fighting if a cease-fire is achieved in Gaza. Iran supports both Hezbollah and Hamas along with other militant groups across the region that could join any larger conflict.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the need to defend Israel at a Cabinet meeting, stating that thousands of rockets aimed at northern Israel had been eliminated. “We are determined to do everything to defend our country,” he said, urging citizens to follow directives from the Home Front Command.

NETANYAHU VOWS Swift Justice After Hezbollah Attack Kills Children

29 July 2024 — The Israeli response to Hezbollah’s rocket attack in Lebanon is imminent after the group targeted a children’s soccer field, killing 12 young people. Early Monday, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reportedly executed a drone strike in southern Lebanon, resulting in the deaths of two Hezbollah terrorists. The IDF has not commented on the strike.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a three-hour cabinet meeting on Sunday, authorizing him and his defense minister to determine the “manner and timing” of a military response. Danny Danon, Israel’s new ambassador to the United Nations, told “Fox and Friends” that Israel’s response will be “swift, harsh and painful,” but clarified there are no intentions for a full war.

Netanyahu visited Majdal Shams on Monday and announced that Israel’s response to the massacre “will come and it will be severe.” He expressed solidarity with the Druze Israeli community, emphasizing their shared grief. U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Israeli President Isaac Herzog about the situation on Monday as well.

ISRAELI STRIKES Escalate: Gaza Families Desperate Amid Chaos

09 July 2024 — Heavy Israeli bombardment rocked Gaza City on Tuesday, forcing thousands of Palestinians to flee and causing medical facilities to shut down. Israel’s new ground assault aims to combat Hamas militants regrouping in previously cleared areas.

Large parts of Gaza City have been flattened after nine months of fighting, with several hundred thousand Palestinians still in the north. “The fighting has been intense,” said Hakeem Abdel-Bar, who fled to relatives’ homes as Israeli forces advanced.

Families called for ambulances for their wounded or trapped relatives, but first responders couldn’t reach them due to ongoing operations, according to Palestinian Red Crescent spokesperson Nebal Farsakh. “It’s a dangerous zone,” she stated.

Following an evacuation call from Israel on Monday, staff at Al-Ahli and Patients Friends Association Hospital rushed to move patients and shut down. All three Red Crescent medical facilities in Gaza City have closed as well.

ISRAELI AIRSTRIKE Devastates Gaza: 22 Killed in Humanitarian Zone

26 May 2024 — An Israeli airstrike on Sunday killed 22 people in Rafah, Gaza Strip. The attack hit tents for displaced people, causing heavy destruction. The Israeli army claimed it was unaware of any activity in the area.

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society warned the death toll could rise as search and rescue efforts continued. They stated that Israel had designated the location as a “humanitarian area.” Footage from the scene showed significant damage and chaos.

This strike occurred two days after the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to end its military offensive in Rafah. Israel’s defense minister, Yoav Gallant, was briefed on operations in Rafah on Sunday.

Earlier that day, Hamas fired rockets from Gaza reaching Tel Aviv for the first time in months. There were no immediate reports of casualties from this rocket attack, which Hamas’ military wing claimed responsibility for.

ISRAEL DEFIES US Warnings, Ramps Up Military Strike in Gaza’s Rafah

12 May 2024 — Israel has escalated its military actions in Rafah, Gaza, despite U.S. cautions. The Israeli military ordered tens of thousands to leave the area immediately. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari confirmed that the operations targeted and eliminated numerous militants. This aggressive stance persists even amid international concerns about rising civilian casualties and disruptions to humanitarian aid efforts.

Global protests have ignited as Israel alleges Hamas militants are consolidating in northern Gaza following seven months of ongoing conflict. The United Nations warns that intensifying military activities in Rafah might severely impact humanitarian initiatives and increase civilian fatalities. The closure of the Rafah border crossing complicates aid delivery, heightening regional tensions further.

President Joe Biden has explicitly denied supplying offensive weaponry for operations in Rafah, pointing to credible evidence that Israel might be violating international laws designed to protect civilians during conflict situations. On the other hand, Israeli authorities maintain they adhere strictly to these laws and have implemented advanced warning systems to reduce civilian casualties before launching operations

The crisis deepens as over 1.4 million Palestinians find themselves displaced within Rafah’s confines due to recent evacuations moving populations into areas already heavily affected by conflict. Aid organizations are overwhelmed trying to manage under these challenging circumstances.

IRAN’S BOLD Strike: Over 300 Drones Target Israel in Unprecedented Assault

15 April 2024 — In a bold move, Iran launched over 300 drones and missiles at Israel, marking a major spike in hostilities. This attack was directly from Iran, not through its usual channels like Hezbollah or the Houthi rebels. President Biden called this assault “unprecedented.” Despite the massive scale of this strike, Israel’s defense systems managed to intercept about 99 percent of these threats.

Iran hailed this as a “victory,” even though the damage was minimal and only one Israeli life was lost. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), known as a terrorist organization by the U.S., spearheaded this attack after vowing revenge on Israel for targeting their leaders. This move is seen by many as proof of Iran feeling more bold due to current U.S. foreign policy decisions.

This aggressive act followed Iran’s expansion of its drone and missile programs after an important deadline from the Obama-era nuclear deal passed without action on October 18, 2023. This occurred despite Iran breaking the deal’s terms and backing terrorist attacks against Israel, including a recent massacre led by Hamas with Tehran’s support.

Iran’s latest actions show it ignoring international deals and underline worries about its nuclear plans. The regime’s pride in attacking Israel points to its ongoing threat to peace in the Middle East and worldwide security, sparking debate on how best to contain it moving

ISRAELI FORCES Strike: Hostage Intelligence Sparks Daring Hospital Raid

15 February 2024 — Israeli special forces executed a targeted operation at the largest hospital in southern Gaza. The action was prompted by reliable intelligence suggesting that Hamas was using the facility to harbor Israeli hostages. Described as a “limited” operation by IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari, it did not necessitate the forceful evacuation of medical staff or patients.

It remains uncertain if any remains were discovered, but Israel has confirmed the apprehension of several Hamas suspects operating within the hospital’s premises. Earlier this week, IDF officially reached out to the director of Nasser Medical Center, demanding an immediate cessation of all Hamas terrorist activities within its walls and insisting on the expulsion of all terrorists present.

The IDF’s statement during this operation disclosed that their intelligence originated from multiple sources including freed hostages. They suggested that not just Nasser Hospital but also Shifa Hospital, Rantisi Hospital, Al Amal Hospital and others across Gaza have been systematically exploited by Hamas as terror bases.

Last month saw a released hostage publicly declare that she along with over two dozen other captives had been held in Nasser Hospital. This raid occurs amidst heightened tensions in the region following recent Israeli airstrikes carried out in Lebanon after a lethal Hezbollah attack.

LEBANON STRIKES: Hezbollah’s Deadly Missile Attack Rattles Israel Amidst Gaza Conflict

14 January 2024 — A lethal anti-tank missile, launched from Lebanon, claimed the lives of two civilians in northern Israel this past Sunday. This alarming incident has ignited concerns over a potential second front emerging amidst the ongoing clash between Israel and Hamas.

This strike marks a grim milestone — the 100th day of a war that has tragically taken nearly 24,000 Palestinian lives and forced approximately 85% of Gaza’s population from their homes. The conflict was sparked by an unexpected Hamas incursion into southern Israel last October, leading to around 1,200 fatalities and roughly 250 hostages.

The region remains on edge as daily fire exchanges persist between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah group. Meanwhile, Iranian-backed militias target U.S. interests in Syria and Iraq as Yemen’s Houthi rebels threaten international shipping lanes.

Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, remains defiant vowing to persist until a Gaza cease-fire is established. His declaration comes as countless Israelis evacuate northern border regions due to escalating aggression.

ISRAELI STRIKE Downs Elite Hezbollah Commander: A Fearful Prelude to Another Mideast War?

09 January 2024 — An Israeli airstrike claimed the life of an elite Hezbollah commander, Wissam al-Tawil, in southern Lebanon on Monday. This event marks the latest in a string of escalating border strikes, stirring concerns of a potential new Mideast conflict.

The demise of al-Tawil signifies the most impactful blow to Hezbollah since the onset of war triggered by Hamas’ incursion into southern Israel on October 7. The ongoing conflict has led to increased skirmishes between Israel and Hezbollah, especially following an Israeli strike last week that eliminated a senior Hamas leader in Beirut.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is once again visiting the region this week, seemingly with intentions to curb further escalation. However, despite Israel’s assertion that it has mostly wrapped up major operations in northern Gaza, fighting continues as attention shifts towards central regions and Khan Younis.

Israeli authorities forecast ongoing strife as they strive to dismantle Hamas and liberate hostages seized during the October 7 attack. The offensive has already resulted in over 23,000 Palestinian deaths and displacement for nearly 85% of Gaza’s population. It has also caused widespread destruction across Gaza Strip and threatens starvation for a quarter of its residents.

ISRAELI Raid on GAZA and US Strikes on Iran-Linked Sites in Syria: The Tense Standoff Escalates

27 October 2023 — In a sudden move, Israeli forces carried out a brief but intense raid on northern Gaza. The military operation, which took place overnight, was aimed at Hamas fighters and their anti-tank weaponry. This action is seen as groundwork for a possible ground invasion, marking the third such Israeli raid since the conflict erupted.

Meanwhile, responding to drone and missile assaults on U.S. bases and personnel in the region, the U.S. military executed airstrikes early Friday morning. These strikes targeted two locations in eastern Syria associated with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), according to Pentagon reports.

Arab leaders unitedly called for an immediate cease-fire on Thursday. Their plea aims to alleviate civilian suffering by allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza where residents are grappling with severe shortages of food, water, medicine while UN workers struggle with dwindling fuel supplies for relief missions.

The Health Ministry of Hamas-controlled Gaza reported that over 7,000 Palestinians have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict — an unverified figure thus far. On Israel’s end, there have been more than 1,400 casualties