Region on high alert as tensions rise following Iran missile attack; IDF retaliates with strikes on Beirut

Israel launched at least five strikes on Beirut overnight, targeting Hezbollah sites in the southern suburbs. The Israeli military issued evacuation orders for buildings in the area. This comes after Iran fired almost 200 missiles at Israel, prompting airlines to divert flights and leading to heightened tensions in the region. Hezbollah claimed to have repelled Israeli forces attempting to infiltrate Lebanon. In Gaza, nine Palestinians were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a school housing displaced people, with conflicting reports on the number of casualties. The US defense secretary condemned Iran’s attack on Israel as an “outrageous act of aggression” and pledged to remain in close contact with Israeli officials. Benjamin Netanyahu warned Iran of consequences and retaliation for its actions. Iran defended its missile launches as a response to Israeli aggression. US destroyers in the eastern Mediterranean Sea intercepted Iranian missiles, and the UK defense secretary stated British forces worked to prevent further escalation in the Middle East. Emmanuel Macron condemned Iran’s attack on Israel and called for an end to military operations in Lebanon. The situation in the region remains tense with ongoing hostilities and potential for further escalation.

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