Israeli Air Strikes Kill At Least 21 in Lebanon

Israel has intensified its military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, recently targeting the Christian-majority town of Aitou, resulting in at least 18 deaths and numerous injuries. The airstrike on Aitou, which hit an apartment rented by displaced families, marks the first attack on this town since the outbreak of war on September 23. This escalation follows a deadly Hezbollah drone attack on an Israeli army base that killed four soldiers. Concurrently, Israel continues its operations in Gaza, where its strikes have resulted in civilian casualties and damage to facilities treating the wounded. The U.S. embassy in Lebanon has urged American citizens to leave the country amid the increasing violence, and Israel has ordered evacuations from 25 villages in southern Lebanon. The ongoing conflict has claimed over 1,300 lives in Lebanon since its escalation, with both Hezbollah and Hamas actively engaged against Israeli forces.