Escalating violence in the region coincides with fresh recognition of Palestine by the UK, Australia, and Canada.
An Israeli airstrike on the southern Lebanese city of Bint Jbeil has killed five people, including three children, in the latest surge of regional violence.
The attack comes as international diplomatic efforts gain momentum. In a joint statement, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada announced their formal recognition of the state of Palestine, calling it a step toward reviving hopes for a two-state solution.
Meanwhile, the toll in Gaza continues to rise. At least 68 Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes since dawn, adding to the devastating human cost of the conflict. According to Gaza’s health ministry, Israel’s war on the enclave has killed more than 65,283 people and wounded 166,575 since October 2023. Thousands remain trapped beneath the rubble of destroyed buildings.
The war’s origins trace back to October 7, when 1,139 people were killed in Israel during attacks carried out by Hamas, which also took about 200 people captive.