Israel Bombards Gaza and Strikes Southern Lebanon as Conflict Escalates

In the early hours of Monday morning, Israel launched a series of air strikes targeting the Gaza Strip and conducted airstrikes in southern Lebanon. The attacks came as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a meeting with his top generals and war cabinet to assess the escalating conflict. Palestinian media reported that Israel's attacks were concentrated in the center and north of Gaza.

Reports emerged of a strike on a house near the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza, resulting in the deaths of several Palestinians and injuries to others. In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, two Palestinians were killed at the Jalazone refugee camp near Ramallah. The clashes between Israeli forces and gunmen, as well as stone-throwing youths, resulted in a number of arrests.

Amidst the violence, Palestinian Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian held a late-night call to discuss putting an end to Israel's "brutal crimes" in Gaza, according to a statement from Hamas. Israel, on the other hand, has been amassing tanks and troops near the fenced border with Gaza in preparation for a planned ground invasion aimed at annihilating Hamas.

Concerns that the Israel-Hamas conflict could expand into a wider Middle East conflict have risen, with the United States warning of significant risks to its interests in the region. As a result, the US has deployed advanced air defenses and naval power, including two aircraft carriers and support ships, along with 2,000 Marines, to deter attacks by Iran-affiliated forces. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed the possibility of a significant escalation of attacks on US troops and interests throughout the region.

Furthermore, China's Middle East special envoy, Zhai Jun, who is visiting the region, expressed concerns about the rising risk of a large-scale ground conflict and spillover conflicts in the region.

Meanwhile, Iranian security officials revealed that Iran's strategy is for its Middle East proxies, such as Hezbollah, to carry out limited strikes on Israeli and US targets while avoiding a major escalation that could draw in Tehran.

In neighboring Syria, Israeli missiles targeted Damascus and Aleppo international airports, resulting in their closure and the deaths of two workers, according to Syrian state media. Israel also reported striking several Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, including a compound and an observation post. Hezbollah confirmed the death of one of its fighters but did not provide further details. Israel has reported the deaths of seven troops on the Lebanese border since the start of the conflict.

As the violence continues to escalate, Israel has expanded its evacuation contingency plan in the north of the country, adding 14 communities close to Lebanon and Syria.

In Gaza, the dire humanitarian situation has prompted Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh to call on the international community to create a united front to stop Israel's attacks and allow much-needed aid to enter the territory. A second convoy of 14 aid trucks entered the Rafah crossing to Gaza on Sunday night, following a first convoy of 20 trucks that crossed from Egypt on Saturday. US President Joe Biden and Netanyahu confirmed in a call that there would be a continued flow of critical assistance into Gaza.

However, the United Nations has warned that the volume of aid entering Gaza is only 4% of the daily average before the hostilities began, and much more is needed to address the dire conditions faced by the population. Food, water, medicines, and fuel stocks are running critically low.

President Biden has been ramping up diplomatic efforts, holding calls with various world leaders to discuss getting aid into Gaza and preventing the conflict from spreading. In a joint statement, the leaders expressed support for Israel's right to defend itself while emphasizing the importance of adhering to international humanitarian law and protecting civilians.

Netanyahu also held phone calls with the leaders of France, Spain, and the Netherlands, and both the Dutch Prime Minister and the French President are scheduled to visit Israel this week.