Hezbollah Launches Rockets at Israeli Targets

Air raid sirens sounded in Tel Aviv as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken concluded his visit, during which Hezbollah launched rockets at an Israeli military base in response to Israeli strikes on Beirut. Blinken emphasized the need for Israel to seek an 'enduring strategic success' and negotiate a deal to secure the return of hostages held by Hamas, amidst ongoing tensions. Both Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Hamas remain entrenched in their positions, with Netanyahu vowing to eliminate Hamas and Hamas demanding a ceasefire and withdrawal of Israeli forces for hostage release. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with Israeli military operations in Gaza reportedly killing over 42,000 Palestinians since the outbreak of violence on October 7, 2023. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with 90% of the population displaced and critical infrastructure in ruins. The United Nations suggested it may take 350 years for Gaza's economy to recover to prewar levels.