Israeli Airstrikes Hit Hezbollah in Beirut and Baalbek

Israeli fighter jets launched airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Beirut and Baalbek, accusing the group of using civilian areas as shields and issuing evacuation warnings prior to the attacks. The strikes resulted in at least 57 deaths and significant destruction, including damage to historic sites, prompting UN concern. Israel has expanded ground operations in northern Gaza, focusing on Beit Lahiya to disrupt Hamas militants believed to be regrouping. The conflict has resulted in a significant death toll, with over 43,000 reported killed in Gaza since the war began following Hamas's attack on Israel in October 2023. In the north, a Hezbollah rocket attack killed IDF soldier Sgt. Ariel Sosnov Sasonov and injured others, marking a setback for Israeli forces. The escalating violence underscores broader regional instability, with both sides experiencing casualties amid ongoing military operations.