2024-08-26 00:08:29
A Hamas delegation arrived in Egypt, to hear the results of the peace talks
Israel set the sky over Lebanon on fire, raining rockets over revealed preparations for “large-scale attacks” by the Iran-backed Hezbollah group, which sought revenge for its founder and commander Fuad Shukr – killed in late July in Beirut. The exchange of fire is considered the biggest escalation since the beginning of the conflict in the Middle East.
About 100 Israeli fighter jets eliminated thousands of rocket shells in at least 40 areas of southern Lebanon. They were prepared to shell Northern and Central Israel. Defense Minister Yoav Galant declared a state of emergency for 48 hours. The government has said it has no interest in a full-scale conflict, but is acting on the situation on the ground.
Hezbollah announced that it fired 320 rockets at 11 military bases in northern Israel. This was the “first phase” of the group’s response to the killing of commander Fuad Shukr. In Israel there is only material damage, but no casualties – at the expense of at least three killed in Lebanon. However, according to Hezbollah, the operation was successful. The answer was expected after the landmark murders of Fuad Shukr and Hamas leader Ismail Haniya.
The attack came hours before an unannounced visit by the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff to the Middle East. From there, they announced that they were aware of the planned attack and were monitoring the situation, ready to defend Israel if necessary.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country would take all necessary measures to defend itself. And President Isaac Herzog praised the response of the Israeli Air Force and commented that the country has the right to protect its citizens from terrorism. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati convenes his cabinet. He has no control over Hezbollah, but has repeatedly assured that he does not believe the group wants war with Israel.
Against this background, negotiations for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas continue in Egypt. The authorities in Cairo warned of the dangers of opening a new military front in Lebanon and called for stability in the country. Israel’s intelligence chief, David Barnea, led the Israeli delegation to the talks on Sunday. A Hamas delegation also went to “hear the results of the negotiations” between mediators Egypt, Qatar, the US and Israel. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani also joined the negotiations.