"Escalating Tensions: Israel and Hezbollah Exchange Fire as Fears of Wider Conflict Grow"

Heavy rocket fire from Lebanon, claimed by Hezbollah as a response to the killing of Hamas' deputy chief, targeted northern Israel, prompting Israeli military retaliation. The escalation comes amid ongoing conflict in Gaza, with significant casualties reported on both sides. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and EU diplomat Josep Borrell are engaging in diplomatic efforts to prevent further spillover of the Gaza war into neighboring regions. Despite international diplomatic interventions, the violence continues, with recent Israeli attacks in Gaza and the West Bank resulting in more Palestinian deaths.