7 dead, several injured in Hezbollah rocket attacks on northern Israel

Rocket attacks by Hezbollah have resulted in seven Israeli fatalities in northern Israel, marking one of the deadliest escalations in recent months. According to Israeli authorities, two attacks struck separate locations near Metula and Kibbutz Afek. In the first incident, rockets hit farmland near the border town of Metula, killing an Israeli farmer and four foreign agricultural workers. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz identified the foreign casualties as Thai nationals.

The second attack targeted Kibbutz Afek, near Haifa, claiming the lives of 60-year-old Mina Hasson and her son, Karmi. These incidents have heightened tensions, even as U.S. envoys engage with Israeli officials on possible ceasefire measures to de-escalate the ongoing border conflict.

www.mavericknews30.com, The escalation began as Hezbollah launched a wave of rockets into Israel’s northern region, including the Krayot area near Haifa, as well as at Israeli forces stationed near the Lebanese town of Khiam. While the Israeli military intercepted several rockets, some landed in open areas. Hezbollah has taken responsibility, citing a reinforced commitment to supporting Palestinian factions. On Thursday alone, over 50 rockets were fired into Israel’s Galilee region, triggering a robust military response.

Simultaneously, Israeli airstrikes have intensified across southern Lebanon, targeting alleged Hezbollah strongholds. The Lebanese health ministry reported six fatalities among Hezbollah-affiliated paramedics in these strikes, raising concerns for humanitarian worker safety. Additionally, a UN peacekeeping base housing Irish troops was struck by a rocket, prompting international calls to protect peacekeepers under international law.

This ongoing conflict has displaced tens of thousands on both sides. Israeli reports indicate over 60 deaths due to Hezbollah attacks, while Lebanese health officials estimate that over 2,200 Lebanese lives have been lost and around 1.2 million displaced. Hezbollah maintains that hostilities will continue until a truce is reached in Gaza, despite Lebanon’s worsening economic and humanitarian crisis. www.mavericknews30.com