Hezbollah rockets hit Haifa suburbs, causing destruction

Hezbollah launched rockets targeting a suburb in Haifa, Israel, resulting in significant destruction to vehicles and residential properties. This escalation marks a shift in tactics, as previous attacks primarily focused on military installations. In response, the Israeli military conducted extensive airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, marking one of the most intense bombardments since the conflict escalated. The Israeli Defense Forces reported targeting hundreds of sites in two waves of attacks, following a deadly airstrike in Beirut that killed numerous individuals, including a high-ranking Hezbollah leader. As the situation intensified, hospitals in northern Israel were ordered to prepare for potential mass casualties by relocating operations to more secure facilities. Rambam hospital in Haifa is among those transferring patients to underground areas designed to withstand rocket fire. This precautionary measure underscores the escalating threat to civilian safety in the region. In a related development, Israeli forces raided the Al Jazeera TV bureau in the West Bank, citing a military order to close the station for 45 days. This action has been criticized by the Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate as an arbitrary suppression of media freedom, highlighting the ongoing tensions between Israeli authorities and Palestinian media outlets. The conflict has drawn in various factions, with reports of missile and drone attacks from Iran-backed groups in Iraq targeting Israel. The situation remains volatile, with both sides engaged in a cycle of retaliatory strikes, raising concerns about further escalation and the impact on civilian populations in the affected areas.