Israel and Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah exchanged hundreds of cross-border missile and rocket attacks Sunday, with leaders signaling the nearly yearlong conflict has entered a new stage.
The escalation in the conflict—initiated by Lebanon in October in support of Hamas in Gaza—comes after Israel is suspected of detonating thousands of mobile communications devices across Lebanon and launched a direct strike Friday in Beirut, killing 45 people, including a Hezbollah commander. In response, Hezbollah launched several direct hits in the coastal city of Haifa amid a barrage of 115 missiles. At least four projectiles were also intercepted from Iran-backed militias in Iraq.
Israeli officials say the attacks will continue until Israelis can return to the border near Lebanon. Lebanon has claimed its attacks on Israel will stop once the war in Gaza ends—a scenario reports claim is less likely before 2025. New reports also suggest Israel may soon deploy siege tactics in northern Gaza.
Separately, Israeli troops shut down news outlet Al Jazeera in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank Sunday.
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