The ongoing conflict between Israel, Hamas, and Hezbollah has escalated in recent days, drawing in broader regional actors and increasing tensions across the Middle East. Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have intensified, with Israeli forces targeting areas in the northern Gaza Strip and southern Lebanon, according to NYTimes. The Israeli military claims that the strikes targeted Hamas “command and control centers” embedded in civilian areas, such as mosques and schools, though critics argue there is insufficient evidence provided to substantiate these claims. Gaza's Health Ministry reported that dozens of Palestinians have been killed as a result of these attacks, though the ministry does not distinguish between civilian and militant casualties, according to NYTimes and WSJ. This escalation comes on the eve of the anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks on Israel, an event that marked the beginning of the ongoing violence.

In addition to the airstrikes, the Israeli military has launched a ground offensive in Gaza, specifically targeting the Jabaliya refugee camp in the northern part of the enclave. The military claims that it encircled Jabaliya due to intelligence reports that Hamas was regrouping in the area after nearly a year of fighting and bombardments, as reported by Al Jazeera and WSJ. Israeli military sources noted that airstrikes have been carried out to dismantle Hamas's operational capabilities, particularly targeting military infrastructure, weapons storage facilities, and Hamas fighters. However, the airstrikes have also resulted in civilian casualties, including children, with Gaza health officials confirming that 17 people, including nine children, were killed in recent airstrikes on Jabaliya (Al Jazeera).

Simultaneously, Israel has been expanding its operations beyond Gaza, launching significant strikes in southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah, a militant group backed by Iran. The Israeli military has focused on Hezbollah strongholds in southern Beirut, issuing evacuation orders for residents in the area while intensifying its bombing raids, according to The Guardian. The Israeli military also confirmed the presence of Israeli troops near U.N. peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, further complicating the situation by placing U.N. personnel in close proximity to active conflict zones. These strikes come in response to Hezbollah's rocket attacks on northern Israel, which have forced thousands of Israelis to flee their homes near the Lebanese border (WSJ and NYTimes).

The involvement of Iran has been a key concern, as the Iranian government is known to support both Hamas and Hezbollah. Tensions between Israel and Iran have risen following missile attacks from Iranian-backed forces, with both sides preparing for potential further escalations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to retaliate against Iran, though U.S. officials have urged restraint to prevent a wider regional conflict (The Guardian). The prospect of a direct confrontation between Israel and Iran has heightened concerns that the conflict could spread beyond Gaza and Lebanon, with significant regional and global implications. The possibility of a retaliatory airstrike against Iran remains a key point of contention, as noted by CNN.

As the war continues, both sides have faced mounting international criticism. Humanitarian organizations have expressed concerns about the growing civilian casualties and the destruction of essential infrastructure, including hospitals and schools, in Gaza. The Israeli military maintains that its operations are precise and aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, but the scale of destruction and civilian deaths has led to allegations of war crimes, particularly in the case of strikes on shelters and residential areas. French President Emmanuel Macron has called for an immediate ceasefire and an end to arms shipments that could be used in the Gaza conflict, according to The Guardian. Despite these calls, the situation remains fluid and dangerous, with no clear resolution in sight.