Israel and Hezbollah exchanged their heaviest exchange of missiles since the beginning of the Gaza War and the United States says it is keeping track of the situation and is working to avert any further escalation. Watch WION for more on the story. Watch in for more details!

West Asia Crisis: Major flare up between Israel, Hezbollah; US trying to avert escalation

The Hamas delegation reportedly left Cairo on Sunday evening (local time) after meeting with mediators for the renewed talks.

Gaza ceasefire deal: Philadelphi Corridor becomes sticking point for ceasefire talks

West Asia Crisis: US working to prevent escalation after Israel-Hezbollah face-off

Israel and Hezbollah exchanged their heaviest exchange of missiles since the beginning of the Gaza War and the United States says it is keeping track of the situation and is working to avert any further escalation. Watch WION for more on the story.

West Asia Crisis: Israel & Hezbollah don't want war, but ready to strike again

West Asia Crisis: Tensions soar following intense exchange of fire between Israel & Hezbollah

In a public address, Hezbollah Chief Hassan Nasrallah denies claims that the Israeli military destroyed thousands of the group's rocket launchers. Israel says no base was hit near Tel Aviv.

Main operation target was Israel's base near Tel Aviv: Hezbollah Chief

100 Israeli jets swooped down on rocket launchers that were purportedly aiming to strike not just Northern border areas but as far as central Israel, including Tel Aviv.

Israel-Hezbollah Tensions: Israel-Hezbollah exchange deadly rocket and missile strikes

<p>Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of the Shia&nbsp;Islamist militant group&nbsp;Hezbollah, claimed in a speech on Sunday (August 25) that Israel's&nbsp;preemptive attacks in&nbsp;Lebanon had no impact on the&nbsp;retaliatory operations of Hezbollah.</p>

<p>"We delayed our operation amid a buildup of Israeli and US forces in the region, we could not afford failure, we also discussed retaliating together as a Resistance or separately, we also wanted to give enough time for ceasefire negotiations," he said in his televised speech.</p>

<p>"But since Netanyahu is having new demands for the ceasefire and negotiations are going nowhere, we decided to proceed," he added.</p>

<p>Nasrallah accused the United States of being complicit in Israel's actions. "The US is capable of pressuring Netanyahu to accept a ceasefire, but they won't, they are complicit in everything Israel does," he said.</p>

<p>Nasrullah claimed that&nbsp;all Hezbollah drones successfully entered Israeli airspace and&nbsp; added&nbsp;that the group had no intention of using precision missiles in Sunday's attack, but may deploy them in the near future.</p>

<p>He&nbsp;added that the Israeli military began strikes on&nbsp;Lebanon about 30 minutes before Hezbollah’s operation, but the targeted areas had nothing to do with the operation.</p>

<p>He added that Hezbollah's goals did not involve targeting civilians, despite Israel's attacks on civilians in Lebanon. "From the start, we had goals: no civilian targets, despite the fact that Israel is targeting civilians in Lebanon. We want to protect civilians in Lebanon, and this is why we did not target civilians in Israel. We decided that our targets will be military and have to do with the assassination of Sayyed Fouad Shukr, military intelligence, and the air force," Nasrallah stated.</p>

<p>He also mentioned that their primary target was the Gelilot base, which hosts the Israeli Military Intelligence Directorate’s Unit 8200 and is located near Tel Aviv.</p>

<p>Nasrallah dismissed any claims that Hezbollah intended to hit civilian targets, stating, "Any narrative that we were going to hit civilian targets and that they preempted this is a lie. If any civilian was killed in this operation, it must have been from the enemy's interceptors."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hezbollah-trade-missiles-as-latest-flare-up-throws-west-asia-on-edge-top-points-753176">Israel, Hezbollah launch strikes as latest flare-up puts West Asia on edge</a></strong></p>

<p>He also rejected Israel's assertion that they targeted 6,000 rockets and drones, asserting, "Israel failed to hit any of Hezbollah's strategic or ballistic missiles."</p>

<p>"The time assigned for the operation was after Fajr prayer at 5:15 am. All missile and drone launchers were set and programmed the night before. Our launchers were north of the Litani river, south of it, and also&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;Beqaa. Israel's preemptive strike had no impact on Hezbollah's retaliatory operations," he said.</p>

<p>The Israeli military claimed that Hezbollah was planning to launch rockets and missiles toward Israel. According to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), around 100 fighter jets "struck and destroyed thousands of Hezbollah rocket launcher barrels" at over 40 sites.</p>

<p>Earlier, IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said in a video posted on X, formerly Twitter, "A short while ago, the IDF identified the Hezbollah terrorist organization preparing to fire missiles and rockets toward Israeli territory. In a self-defense act to remove these threats, the IDF is striking terror targets in Lebanon."</p>

<p>Hezbollah confirmed that it had successfully launched the "first phase" of an attack on Israeli military positions in response to the assassination of Fuad Shukr, one of Hezbollah's top commanders, in an Israeli airstrike on Beirut in July.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of the Shia Islamist militant group Hezbollah, claimed in a speech on Sunday (August 25) that Israel's preemptive attacks in Lebanon had no impact on the retaliatory operations of Hezbollah.

Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of the Shia Islamist militant group Hezbollah, claimed in a speech on Sunday (August 25) that Israel's preemptive attacks in Lebanon had no impact on the retaliatory operations of Hezbollah. "We delayed our operation amid a buildup of Israeli and US forces in the region, we could not afford failure, we also discussed retaliating together as a Resistance or separately, we also wanted to give enough time for ceasefire negotiations," he said in his televised speech. "But since Netanyahu is having new demands for the ceasefire and negotiations are going nowhere, we decided to proceed," he added. Nasrallah accused the United States of being complicit in Israel's actions. "The US is capable of pressuring Netanyahu to accept a ceasefire, but they won't, they are complicit in everything Israel does," he said. Nasrullah claimed that all Hezbollah drones successfully entered Israeli airspace and added that the group had no intention of using precision missiles in Sunday's attack, but may deploy them in the near future. He added that the Israeli military began strikes on Lebanon about 30 minutes before Hezbollah’s operation, but the targeted areas had nothing to do with the operation. He added that Hezbollah's goals did not involve targeting civilians, despite Israel's attacks on civilians in Lebanon. "From the start, we had goals: no civilian targets, despite the fact that Israel is targeting civilians in Lebanon. We want to protect civilians in Lebanon, and this is why we did not target civilians in Israel. We decided that our targets will be military and have to do with the assassination of Sayyed Fouad Shukr, military intelligence, and the air force," Nasrallah stated. He also mentioned that their primary target was the Gelilot base, which hosts the Israeli Military Intelligence Directorate’s Unit 8200 and is located near Tel Aviv. Nasrallah dismissed any claims that Hezbollah intended to hit civilian targets, stating, "Any narrative that we were going to hit civilian targets and that they preempted this is a lie. If any civilian was killed in this operation, it must have been from the enemy's interceptors." Also read: Israel, Hezbollah launch strikes as latest flare-up puts West Asia on edge He also rejected Israel's assertion that they targeted 6,000 rockets and drones, asserting, "Israel failed to hit any of Hezbollah's strategic or ballistic missiles." "The time assigned for the operation was after Fajr prayer at 5:15 am. All missile and drone launchers were set and programmed the night before. Our launchers were north of the Litani river, south of it, and also in the Beqaa. Israel's preemptive strike had no impact on Hezbollah's retaliatory operations," he said. The Israeli military claimed that Hezbollah was planning to launch rockets and missiles toward Israel. According to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), around 100 fighter jets "struck and destroyed thousands of Hezbollah rocket launcher barrels" at over 40 sites. Earlier, IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said in a video posted on X, formerly Twitter, "A short while ago, the IDF identified the Hezbollah terrorist organization preparing to fire missiles and rockets toward Israeli territory. In a self-defense act to remove these threats, the IDF is striking terror targets in Lebanon." Hezbollah confirmed that it had successfully launched the "first phase" of an attack on Israeli military positions in response to the assassination of Fuad Shukr, one of Hezbollah's top commanders, in an Israeli airstrike on Beirut in July. (With inputs from agencies)

Hezbollah leader Nasrallah blasts Israel, says preemptive strikes ‘had no impact’ on retaliatory operations

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Sunday's strikes in Lebanon were "not the final word" in his country's military campaign against Lebanese armed group Hezbollah.

Israel-Hezbollah Tensions: Israel in delivering painful blows to Hezbollah, says Netanyahu

The Iran-backed group Hezbollah claimed it had successfully struck 11 Israeli military sites using drones and more than 320 Katyusha rockets.

Israel-Hezbollah Tensions: Hezbollah claims 320 rockets launched on 11 Israeli sites

Israel-Hezbollah Tensions: Israel claims to thwart Hezbollah's 'massive' attack

Israel-Hezbollah Tensions: 'Operative Pre-emptive strike', Israel claims massive air assault

Hezbollah launched hundreds of rockets and drones against Israel on Sunday in retaliation for the assassination of a senior commander in Beirut last month, the Iranian-backed movement said, as Israel's cabinet met to prepare a response.

Israel-Hezbollah Tensions: Israeli strikes targeted 40 compounds in South Lebanon, says IDF

Israel-Hezbollah Tensions: Launched more than 320 Katyusha rockets overnight, says Hezbollah

Israel-Hezbollah tensions: Netanyahu warns strikes in Lebanon 'not the final word'

Israel-Hezbollah tensions: IDF warns Israelis to expect drones, missile launched by Hezbollah

Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister said that he is working to prevent his country from becoming embroiled in the Hezbollah-Israel conflict, even as there have been exchanges of cross-border fire between Hezbollah and Israel.

Israel-Hezbollah tensions: Lebanese caretaker PM says, 'Working to ease tensions at border'

<p>Hezbollah, the Lebanon-based militant group, launched a large-scale missile attack on Israel on Sunday, retaliating for the assassination of their senior commander, Fuad Shukr in Beirut last month.</p>

<p>The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, ongoing since October 7, intensified after a missile strike in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Although Hezbollah denied involvement in that attack, Israel responded with airstrikes that killed Fuad Shukr. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was also killed but Israel has not taken responsibility for the&nbsp;attack yet.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hezbollah-trade-missiles-as-latest-flare-up-throws-west-asia-on-edge-top-points-753176">Israel, Hezbollah launch strikes as latest flare-up puts West Asia on edge: Top points</a></p>

<p>Hezbollah has signalled that its recent missile and drone strikes are just the "initial response" to these events, hinting at the potential for further escalation.</p>

<h2><strong>Understanding Hezbollah: Origins and influence</strong></h2>

<p>Hezbollah, a Shia Islamist militant group based in Lebanon, was founded in 1982 by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards during Lebanon’s civil war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Over the years, Hezbollah has grown from a shadowy militant faction into a powerful political and military force, exerting significant influence within Lebanon and across the Middle East.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/great-escape-for-israel-hezbollah-planned-to-attack-idf-mossad-headquarters-in-central-areas-753134">Great escape for Israel? Hezbollah planned to attack IDF, Mossad headquarters in central region</a></p>

<p>However, its ties to Iran and its involvement in regional conflicts have led to its designation as a terrorist organization by Western governments, including the United States, and by Sunni Muslim Gulf Arab states such as Saudi Arabia.</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Hassan Nasrallah?</strong></h2>

<p>Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah has been the leader of Hezbollah since 1992.&nbsp;Under his leadership, Hezbollah has transformed from a relatively small militant group into a powerful political and military force in Lebanon and the broader Middle East. Nasrallah is widely regarded as a central figure in the group's rise to prominence and its ongoing influence in regional affairs.</p>

<p>Born in 1960 in Beirut, Nasrallah became involved in political and militant activities at a young age. He joined Hezbollah shortly after its formation and quickly rose through the ranks due to his charisma, strategic thinking, and close ties with Iran, particularly with its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Nasrallah's leadership has been marked by his ability to maintain and strengthen Hezbollah's alliance with Iran, ensuring a steady flow of financial and military support.</p>

<p>Nasrallah remains a highly influential figure within Hezbollah, frequently addressing the group’s supporters through televised speeches. His leadership has been central to Hezbollah’s rise as a significant force in Middle Eastern geopolitics.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Hezbollah, the Lebanon-based militant group, launched a large-scale missile attack on Israel on Sunday, retaliating for the assassination of their senior commander, Fuad Shukr in Beirut last month.

Hezbollah, the Lebanon-based militant group, launched a large-scale missile attack on Israel on Sunday, retaliating for the assassination of their senior commander, Fuad Shukr in Beirut last month. The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, ongoing since October 7, intensified after a missile strike in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Although Hezbollah denied involvement in that attack, Israel responded with airstrikes that killed Fuad Shukr. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was also killed but Israel has not taken responsibility for the attack yet. Also read | Israel, Hezbollah launch strikes as latest flare-up puts West Asia on edge: Top points Hezbollah has signalled that its recent missile and drone strikes are just the "initial response" to these events, hinting at the potential for further escalation. Understanding Hezbollah: Origins and influence Hezbollah, a Shia Islamist militant group based in Lebanon, was founded in 1982 by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards during Lebanon’s civil war. Over the years, Hezbollah has grown from a shadowy militant faction into a powerful political and military force, exerting significant influence within Lebanon and across the Middle East. Also read | Great escape for Israel? Hezbollah planned to attack IDF, Mossad headquarters in central region However, its ties to Iran and its involvement in regional conflicts have led to its designation as a terrorist organization by Western governments, including the United States, and by Sunni Muslim Gulf Arab states such as Saudi Arabia. Who is Hassan Nasrallah? Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah has been the leader of Hezbollah since 1992. Under his leadership, Hezbollah has transformed from a relatively small militant group into a powerful political and military force in Lebanon and the broader Middle East. Nasrallah is widely regarded as a central figure in the group's rise to prominence and its ongoing influence in regional affairs. Born in 1960 in Beirut, Nasrallah became involved in political and militant activities at a young age. He joined Hezbollah shortly after its formation and quickly rose through the ranks due to his charisma, strategic thinking, and close ties with Iran, particularly with its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Nasrallah's leadership has been marked by his ability to maintain and strengthen Hezbollah's alliance with Iran, ensuring a steady flow of financial and military support. Nasrallah remains a highly influential figure within Hezbollah, frequently addressing the group’s supporters through televised speeches. His leadership has been central to Hezbollah’s rise as a significant force in Middle Eastern geopolitics. (With inputs from agencies)

What is Hezbollah and how is it connected to Hassan Nasrallah? Understanding its origins and influence

Israel-Hezbollah tensions: 100 fighter jets participated in pre-emptive strike, says IDF

<p>Hezbollah had planned to launch large-scale missile and drone attacks in central Israel on Sunday (Aug 25) morning before Tel Aviv came up with its pre-emptive strikes, a report in <em>Times of Israel&nbsp;</em>has claimed, citing IDF intelligence sources.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Iran-backed outfit was aiming for the&nbsp;Glilot base near Herzliya, where several IDF intelligence units and the Mossad headquarters are based. The attack was supposed to start around 5 am local time but the Israeli forces drew first blood.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lebanon's state-run news agency reported that Israeli strikes in the southern region on Sunday were "the most violent" since the war in Gaza against Hamas began in October last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As soon as the Israeli fighter jets were scrambled out of the hangars to launch the attacks, IDF issued a statement to residents of southern Lebanon to seek safer pastures.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Fighter jets are now attacking targets of the Hezbollah terrorist organisation that posed an immediate threat to the Israeli home front," the IDF said in a statement.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">FIRST VISUALS: Missiles seen fired over Israel-Lebanon border as Israeli Defence Forces conduct preemptive strike against Hezbollah targets<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lebanon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Lebanon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Israel?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Israel</a><br />
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-launches-pre-emptive-strikes-on-lebanon-753106"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Israel launches pre-emptive strikes on Lebanon</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>'Whoever harms us'</strong></h2>

<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chaired a cabinet meeting after the pre-emptive strikes and vowed that Tel Aviv would respond to anyone who tried to 'harm us'.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We are determined to do everything to protect our country, return the residents of the north safely to their homes and continue to follow a simple rule: Whoever harms us — we harm them," said Netanyahu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This morning we detected Hezbollah’s preparations to attack Israel. In consultation with the defence minister and the IDF chief of staff, we instructed the IDF to act proactively to remove the threat," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-launches-pre-emptive-strike-in-lebanon-to-prevent-large-scale-hezbollah-attack-753044"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Israel launches pre-emptive strike in Lebanon to prevent large-scale Hezbollah attack</strong></a></p>

<p>Meanwhile,&nbsp;Defence Minister Yoav Gallant announced a 48-hour nationwide state of emergency from 06:00 am (0300 GMT) Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The declaration on the state of emergency enables the IDF (Israeli military) to issue instructions to the citizens of Israel, including limiting gatherings and closing sites where it may be relevant," Gallant said, in a statement issued by his office.</p>

<p>After Israel's pre-emptive strikes, Hezbollah also announced it had launched attacks in northern Israel. Hezbollah said it had launched 'more than 320' Katyusha rockets while Israel claimed only 220 rockets and around 20 drones were fired.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Hezbollah had planned to launch large-scale missile and drone attacks in central Israel on Sunday (Aug 25) morning before Tel Aviv came up with its pre-emptive strikes, a report in Times of Israel has claimed, citing IDF intelligence sources.

Hezbollah had planned to launch large-scale missile and drone attacks in central Israel on Sunday (Aug 25) morning before Tel Aviv came up with its pre-emptive strikes, a report in Times of Israel has claimed, citing IDF intelligence sources. The Iran-backed outfit was aiming for the Glilot base near Herzliya, where several IDF intelligence units and the Mossad headquarters are based. The attack was supposed to start around 5 am local time but the Israeli forces drew first blood. Lebanon's state-run news agency reported that Israeli strikes in the southern region on Sunday were "the most violent" since the war in Gaza against Hamas began in October last year. As soon as the Israeli fighter jets were scrambled out of the hangars to launch the attacks, IDF issued a statement to residents of southern Lebanon to seek safer pastures. "Fighter jets are now attacking targets of the Hezbollah terrorist organisation that posed an immediate threat to the Israeli home front," the IDF said in a statement. FIRST VISUALS: Missiles seen fired over Israel-Lebanon border as Israeli Defence Forces conduct preemptive strike against Hezbollah targets#Lebanon #Israel READ MORE: https://t.co/Ur1X2rIU6R pic.twitter.com/8j4vXAUzD8 — WION (@WIONews) August 25, 2024 × Watch | Israel launches pre-emptive strikes on Lebanon × 'Whoever harms us' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chaired a cabinet meeting after the pre-emptive strikes and vowed that Tel Aviv would respond to anyone who tried to 'harm us'. “We are determined to do everything to protect our country, return the residents of the north safely to their homes and continue to follow a simple rule: Whoever harms us — we harm them," said Netanyahu. “This morning we detected Hezbollah’s preparations to attack Israel. In consultation with the defence minister and the IDF chief of staff, we instructed the IDF to act proactively to remove the threat," he added. Also read | Israel launches pre-emptive strike in Lebanon to prevent large-scale Hezbollah attack Meanwhile, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant announced a 48-hour nationwide state of emergency from 06:00 am (0300 GMT) Sunday. "The declaration on the state of emergency enables the IDF (Israeli military) to issue instructions to the citizens of Israel, including limiting gatherings and closing sites where it may be relevant," Gallant said, in a statement issued by his office. After Israel's pre-emptive strikes, Hezbollah also announced it had launched attacks in northern Israel. Hezbollah said it had launched 'more than 320' Katyusha rockets while Israel claimed only 220 rockets and around 20 drones were fired. (With inputs from agencies)

Great escape for Israel? Hezbollah planned to attack IDF, Mossad headquarters in central region

Israel-Hezbollah tensions: Several thousand Hezbollah rockets and missiles destroyed, says IDF

Israel-Hezbollah tensions: 320 Katyusha rockets fired at Israel, says Hezbollah

<p>Israel launched pre-emptive strikes at Hezbollah targets in Lebanon on Sunday (August 24) after the Iran-backed militant group announced a large-scale operation against Israel. Hezbollah said that it launched "more than 320" Katyusha rockets towards Israel.</p>

<p>Israel said that the country's fighter jets attacked thousands of Hezbollah rocket launchers in south Lebanon that were aimed at northern and central Israel.</p>

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<p>"Approximately 100 IAF fighter jets ... struck and destroyed thousands of Hezbollah rocket launcher barrels that were located and embedded in southern Lebanon," an Israeli military statement read. "Most of these launchers were aimed toward northern Israel, and some were aimed toward central Israel."</p>

<p>The current state of escalation comes after weeks of tension, with Hezbollah vowing to avenge the assassination of its military commander, Fuad Shukr, last month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In the context of the initial response" to the killing of Shukr, Hezbollah said it "began an air attack with a large number of drones" targeting deep into Israel. Hezbollah also targeted "a number of enemy positions and barracks and Iron Dome platforms... with a large number of rockets,"&nbsp;adding that "military operations will take some time to complete."</p>

<p>According to a statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has declared a state of emergency across the country for the next 48 hours.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This "special situation on the home front," as it is officially termed, grants the IDF Home Front Command expanded authority to impose restrictions on the civilian population.</p>

<p>"The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) identified the Hezbollah terrorist organization as preparing to fire missiles and rockets toward Israeli territory. In response to these threats, the IDF is striking terror targets in Lebanon," the Israeli military said in a statement. "Israeli Air Force (IAF) fighter jets are currently striking targets belonging to the Hezbollah terrorist organization that pose an imminent threat to the citizens of the State of Israel."</p>

<p>As a precautionary measure, Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport announced delays and diversions of flights early Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The United States responds&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The United States said it would "keep supporting Israel's right to defend itself'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to US National Security Council Spokesperson Sean Savett, "At President Joe Biden's direction, senior US officials have been communicating continuously with their Israeli counterparts. We will keep supporting Israel's right to defend itself, and we will keep working for regional stability."</p>

<p>The current escalation follows increasing hostilities that began after Hamas'&nbsp;unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7 last year, which resulted in the deaths of nearly 1,200 people, most of whom were civilians. Israel's subsequent military campaign in Gaza has killed over 40,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments in the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos.</em></strong></p>


Israel launched pre-emptive strikes at Hezbollah targets in Lebanon on Sunday (August 24) after the Iran-backed militant group announced a large-scale operation against Israel.

Israel launched pre-emptive strikes at Hezbollah targets in Lebanon on Sunday (August 24) after the Iran-backed militant group announced a large-scale operation against Israel. Hezbollah said that it launched "more than 320" Katyusha rockets towards Israel. Israel said that the country's fighter jets attacked thousands of Hezbollah rocket launchers in south Lebanon that were aimed at northern and central Israel. View this post on Instagram A post shared by WION (@wionews) × "Approximately 100 IAF fighter jets ... struck and destroyed thousands of Hezbollah rocket launcher barrels that were located and embedded in southern Lebanon," an Israeli military statement read. "Most of these launchers were aimed toward northern Israel, and some were aimed toward central Israel." The current state of escalation comes after weeks of tension, with Hezbollah vowing to avenge the assassination of its military commander, Fuad Shukr, last month. "In the context of the initial response" to the killing of Shukr, Hezbollah said it "began an air attack with a large number of drones" targeting deep into Israel. Hezbollah also targeted "a number of enemy positions and barracks and Iron Dome platforms... with a large number of rockets," adding that "military operations will take some time to complete." According to a statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has declared a state of emergency across the country for the next 48 hours. This "special situation on the home front," as it is officially termed, grants the IDF Home Front Command expanded authority to impose restrictions on the civilian population. "The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) identified the Hezbollah terrorist organization as preparing to fire missiles and rockets toward Israeli territory. In response to these threats, the IDF is striking terror targets in Lebanon," the Israeli military said in a statement. "Israeli Air Force (IAF) fighter jets are currently striking targets belonging to the Hezbollah terrorist organization that pose an imminent threat to the citizens of the State of Israel." As a precautionary measure, Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport announced delays and diversions of flights early Sunday. The United States responds The United States said it would "keep supporting Israel's right to defend itself'. According to US National Security Council Spokesperson Sean Savett, "At President Joe Biden's direction, senior US officials have been communicating continuously with their Israeli counterparts. We will keep supporting Israel's right to defend itself, and we will keep working for regional stability." The current escalation follows increasing hostilities that began after Hamas' unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7 last year, which resulted in the deaths of nearly 1,200 people, most of whom were civilians. Israel's subsequent military campaign in Gaza has killed over 40,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments in the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos.

Israel, Hezbollah launch strikes as latest flare-up puts West Asia on edge: Top points

Israel-Hezbollah tensions: 48-hour state emergency declared across Israel

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The White House said on Friday that cease-fire talks in Cairo have been constructive and will continue over the weekend as the US and Mideast allies continue to press Israel and Hamas to forge an agreement.

Israel-Hamas war: Talks on three-phase plan outlined by Biden

Israel-Hamas war: White House says progress made in truce talks

Israeli airstrikes across southern Lebanon on Friday killed at least eight fighters and one child, according to security sources, as armed group Hezbollah responded with artillery rounds and rockets across the border.

Israel-Hezbollah tensions: Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon kill 8

Urging the UN Security Council to press Hamas to accept a bridging proposal agreed to by Israel, the US Envoy in the United Nations has told the council's members that a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal is now in sight. Meanwhile, tensions continue to rise in West Asia as Israel and Hezbollah carried out drone strikes and counter strikes on each other. Watch in for more details!

West Asia tensions: Israel-Hezbollah carry out drone strikes & counterstrikes

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