It was seen as a violation of the so-called “rules of engagement” between Hezbollah and Israel, with clashes largely limited to the border region bar some Israeli airstrikes north of the Litani River. Hezbollah has defended its confrontation with Israel as a show of support with Gaza, which has been battered by an Israeli air and ground assault killing around 23,000 people. In what has become an almost ordinary occurrence since 7 October, Israel targeted border towns and villages in southern Lebanon on Friday, either from the air or with artillery. Hezbollah retaliated by firing several missiles into northern Israel, which are usually intercepted by Israeli air defence systems. At least 175 people have been killed in southern Lebanon since 7 October, including 129 Hezbollah fighters and more than 20 civilians, including three journalists, according to an AFP tally.

Source: GNN Liberia January 05, 2024 17:53 UTC