A drone strike in central Israel on Sunday wounded over 60 people, some critically, according to rescue services, marking one of the deadliest attacks the country has seen in a year of conflict. The Lebanon-based Hezbollah militant group claimed responsibility, stating that they targeted a military camp in retaliation for two Israeli strikes in Beirut that killed 22 people.
Despite Israel’s advanced air-defense systems, it is uncommon for drones or missiles to cause injuries to such a large number of people. Reports from Israeli media indicated that two drones were launched from Lebanon, with one being intercepted by the military. The specific target in the city of Binyamina and whether military personnel were injured were not immediately disclosed by Israel’s military, which had previously reported at least 115 rockets fired from Lebanon.
This recent drone strike, which followed another attack on Saturday in a Tel Aviv suburb with no injuries, coincided with the United States’ announcement of sending a new air-defense system to Israel. The aim is to strengthen protection against missiles and provide the necessary troops to operate it, although a timeline for deployment was not specified by an Israeli army spokesperson.
The ongoing conflicts involving Israel, Hamas in Gaza, and Hezbollah in Lebanon, all Iran-backed groups, have heightened tensions. Israel is also expected to retaliate against Iran for a missile attack earlier this month, although the specifics of the response have not been disclosed. Iran has vowed to retaliate against any Israeli attack.
In another development, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused UN peacekeepers in Lebanon of acting as a “human shield” for Hezbollah. This accusation came after Israeli tanks allegedly entered a UN position, leading to clashes and injuries among peacekeepers. The UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon condemned the incident, calling it a violation of international law.
The situation remains precarious, with Israeli airstrikes destroying historical sites in Lebanon and ongoing attacks in Gaza resulting in civilian casualties. The United Nations has raised concerns about the humanitarian crisis in northern Gaza, where food shortages and uncollected bodies have created a dire situation. The toll of the conflict continues to rise, with both militants and civilians bearing the brunt of the violence.
As the region grapples with escalating violence and humanitarian challenges, international efforts to broker peace and provide aid are crucial. The complex dynamics of the conflicts involving Israel, Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran underscore the need for a concerted diplomatic approach to prevent further bloodshed and alleviate the suffering of those caught in the crossfire.