On Monday, Lebanon’s Hezbollah launched a massive salvo of 340 rockets targeting Israel, according to Israeli media. The Israeli military confirmed that air defense systems intercepted several projectiles, but 11 people were reported wounded in the attack.
The rocket barrage followed a deadly Israeli airstrike on Sunday in central Beirut, which killed at least 29 people and injured 66 others, according to Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health.
Since the conflict began a year ago, Israeli strikes have resulted in over 3,500 deaths and at least 14,929 injuries in Lebanon. The United Nations reported last week that more than 200 children have been killed in Lebanon since mid-September, when Israel escalated its military actions targeting Hezbollah.
Meanwhile, diplomatic discussions are underway to establish a ceasefire. Reports from Israeli and U.S. officials indicate that both nations are close to finalizing an agreement. The U.S. has reportedly pledged support for Israeli military actions against immediate threats from Lebanese territory and efforts to curb Hezbollah’s military activities near the border.
The ceasefire process faces potential complications, including arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. France, which Lebanon wants involved in the ceasefire negotiations, has announced it will honor the ICC’s decision.
U.S. President Joe Biden reportedly discussed the matter with French President Emmanuel Macron, expressing support for Netanyahu’s concerns over France’s stance on the ICC warrants.