Israel's missile strikes across Middle East: A deadly fortnight

In the past fortnight, Israel has intensified its military operations across the Middle East, particularly targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iranian-backed militias in Syria and Yemen. The strikes have resulted in over 1,000 fatalities in Lebanon alone, including the significant killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. This escalation marks a notable increase in hostilities, with Israel launching airstrikes in central Beirut for the first time in 18 years, reminiscent of the last major conflict with Hezbollah in 2006. The Israeli air force has conducted extensive bombardments in southern Lebanon, affecting cities such as Sidon, Tyre, and Beirut, as well as the Bekaa Valley. The military actions are part of Israel's broader strategy to dismantle Hamas's military capabilities, which have reportedly resulted in over 41,000 Palestinian deaths and widespread displacement in the Gaza Strip over the past 11 months. Hezbollah has responded to these attacks, claiming to fight in solidarity with Hamas, and has indicated readiness for a potential Israeli invasion. The situation remains tense, with fears of further escalation as Iran, which supports Hezbollah, has shown caution in directly engaging Israel despite its proxy forces being involved. The recent developments have raised concerns about regional stability, with Iranian leadership reportedly taking precautions following the death of Nasrallah. The ongoing conflict highlights the complex interplay of local and regional dynamics, with significant implications for future military engagements in the area.