IDF Strikes⁤ Hezbollah Targets in Lebanon Following ‍Rocket Fire into Northern ⁢Israel

Kiryat Shmona, israel – The Israel Defense Forces ⁤(IDF) conducted airstrikes​ on targets in southern Lebanon on Thursday, responding to⁢ rocket ⁤fire from Hezbollah that impacted the northern⁣ Israeli city of Kiryat Shmona earlier in the day. ⁢ The ‍strikes targeted Hezbollah infrastructure and ⁤positions, according ⁣to the IDF.

At least three⁣ rockets⁣ were fired ⁢from Lebanon towards ​kiryat Shmona, with one directly impacting a residential building. Initial reports ‍indicate several individuals were injured, including a 60-year-old woman who sustained serious injuries. magen David⁤ Adom (MDA), Israel’s national emergency medical service, treated the wounded and transported them⁤ to hospitals.

The IDF stated that its response was ⁣”precise” and ⁤aimed at deterring further​ attacks. ‌”We will continue to respond forcefully⁢ to ​any attempt to harm Israeli civilians,” an⁤ IDF spokesperson said. The strikes ‌included targeting weapons storage ⁣facilities and launch ⁤sites used​ by hezbollah.

Hezbollah claimed​ responsibility ⁤for the rocket fire, stating it was in retaliation for recent Israeli strikes in Lebanon. The group has engaged in near-daily exchanges ‍of fire with‍ israel since October 8, ‌2023, escalating tensions along the Israel-Lebanon⁣ border following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas‍ war.

The recent escalation comes ‌amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation. Mediators, ⁤including the United States⁢ and France, are working to secure a ceasefire and prevent ‍a wider conflict. Though, these efforts ‌have so far yielded limited results.

Kiryat Shmona, a city of approximately 24,000 residents, ⁤has been heavily impacted ⁤by the cross-border fire. Thousands of residents have been evacuated from the city ‌and surrounding ‌areas due⁤ to the ongoing threat. Local authorities have been providing support to displaced residents, including shelter and essential supplies.

The‍ IDF has repeatedly warned Hezbollah against escalating its ‌attacks⁤ and has vowed to respond decisively to any threats to Israeli sovereignty. The current situation remains highly ⁤volatile,with ⁤the potential for further escalation.

this exchange of fire⁣ represents the most significant escalation⁣ along the​ Israel-Lebanon border since the 2006 Second Lebanon War.‌ The⁢ conflict in 2006 resulted in‌ significant casualties‍ on both sides‌ and widespread destruction in Lebanon.

The United Nations ‌Interim Force ⁤in Lebanon (UNIFIL)⁣ has been deployed to monitor the border and maintain a ceasefire. However, UNIFIL’s ability to prevent clashes has been limited by the ongoing tensions and ‍the complex political landscape.

Israeli officials have emphasized that the ultimate goal is to ensure the safety and security of Israeli citizens and to restore ⁤stability to the northern ⁢border⁣ region. They have also called on⁣ the international ‌community to exert⁣ pressure on Hezbollah to cease ⁢its attacks.