Israel: On early Friday, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) targeted sites in Lebanon and Gaza, in retaliation for missile attacks from southern Lebanon on Thursday which it blamed on Hamas, an Islamist group.
According to the IDF, 34 missiles were fired on Thursday from southern Lebanon, of which 25 were intercepted over northern Israel by the air defense system, Iron Dome. This was one of the biggest ones since the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, a militant group.
Following the security cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that they will hit their enemies and pay a price for their actions.
Several areas in Gaza were shaken by heavy explosions. According to Israel, 10 sites of Hamas were targeted by its air force. It includes tunnels, arms manufacturing, and development areas.
Lt. Col. Richard Hecht, IDF international spokesperson said that they hit Palestinian sites in southern Lebanon from which they believe earlier missiles were fired toward Israel.
According to Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group-backed news outlet, three heavy explosions were reported in the Tyre region. According to the local news agency, small infrastructure, and homes reported damage as the area is largely agricultural land.
The IDF released a statement in which it said that they will not allow Hamas to operate from Lebanon and make Lebanon accountable for every missile fire from their territory.
Hamas released a statement in which it condemned the attack and also expressed its solidarity with the people of Lebanon. It also condemned Israel’s attack on the Gaza Strip in a separate statement.
Israel:-
Najib Mikati, Lebanon’s Prime Minister released a statement condemning any military activity from its territory which can harm the region’s stability.
The U.N. peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, UNIFIL said its Head of Mission and Force Commander had talked to authorities on both sides of the blue line and both sides said they do not want war.
The cross-border attack came after the raid by the Israeli police at Al Aqsa Mosque this week, which is one of the holiest sites in Islam. In reaction, nearly 34 missiles were fired from Lebanon.
The Lebanese army said on Twitter that their unit had found a number of missiles and missile launchers in the proximity of Zibqin and Qlaileh, a Lebanese town, intended for release. They further said that they are working to dismantle them currently.
Late Thursday, The Israeli police reported disturbances in cities including Sakhnin, Umm el-Fahem, and Nazareth.
The U.N. Security Council amid fear of conflict could escalate further, summoned a meeting to discuss.
Robert Wood, U.S. Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations told the reporters, while on his way to the meeting, “It’s going to be important for everyone to do what they can to calm tensions.”
The spokesman for the Palestinian Popular Resistance Committees, Mohammad Al-Braim who did not claim any responsibility, applauded the strike.
“No Arab and no Muslim would keep silent while (Al-Aqsa) is being raided in such a savage and barbaric way without the enemy paying the price for its aggression.”, he said.
With inputs from various news agencies.
