8 Israeli soldiers killed in Lebanon, attacks on Gaza continue

The Gaza Health Ministry said some 51 people had been killed and 82 wounded in the Israeli operations.

Israel launched a “precise strike” on the centre of the Lebanese capital Beirut, leaving at least five dead and eight wounded. The attack came hours after the Israeli army deployed more infantry and armoured units to southern Lebanon, adding to what it has called “localised raids” against Hezbollah targets in recent days. Separately, Israeli troops confirmed the deaths of eight of its soldiers during an operation in the neighbouring country. The latest moves come just a day after Iran, which backs Hezbollah, launched at least 180 missiles at Israel. Nearly 2,000 people have been killed in Lebanon since the start of the Israeli strikes on 17 September, according to the Lebanese government.

Iran, which backs Hezbollah and Hamas fighters who control the Palestinian territory of the Gaza Strip, fired dozens of missiles at Israel on Tuesday night, another escalation in a cycle of attacks and retaliation that is bringing the Middle East closer to a regional war. Israel warned that the attack would have “repercussions.”

The Israeli military said, without elaborating, that seven soldiers were killed in two separate attacks by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. The deaths followed the announcement of the first Israeli death in combat in Lebanon since the start of the incursion: a 22-year-old brigade captain. Seven other soldiers were wounded.

Written by Oscar El Blue

8 Israeli soldiers killed in Lebanon, attacks on Gaza continue