Hezbollah Launches 62 Rockets at Israel Following Killing of Hamas Deputy Leader

Gaza: Lebanese militia Hezbollah launched a rocket barrage on northern Israel in response to the targeted killing of Saleh Arouri, Hamas’ deputy political leader, in Lebanon’s capital. The attack, presumed to be orchestrated by Israel, prompted Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah to warn of retaliation to protect Lebanon from potential Israeli strikes.

Nasrallah argued that failing to respond would leave the entire country vulnerable. Hezbollah claimed to have fired 62 rockets at an Israeli air surveillance base on Mount Meron, citing direct hits, while the Israeli military reported around 40 rockets without confirming hits.

This escalation follows Nasrallah’s assertion that retaliation is necessary, even amid ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

The cross-border tension unfolded as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken embarked on a Middle East diplomatic tour, his fourth visit since the Israel-Hamas conflict began three months ago.

The war originated from a Hamas attack in southern Israel, resulting in civilian casualties and hostages. Israel has recently shifted its military focus from the north to intensify efforts in the south, vowing to crush Hamas.

In Gaza, a humanitarian crisis persists as Israeli airstrikes continue, with the Health Ministry reporting 122 Palestinians killed in the past 24 hours, bringing the total casualties to 22,722 since the conflict’s onset, including both combatants and civilians. The injured count stands at 58,166.