Israel on Friday launched airstrikes in Gaza and Lebanon in retaliation for rocket attacks on Israel. The Israeli government blames the Islamist group Hamas.
The latest attacks in southern Lebanon came after Lebanese militants fired three dozen rockets at Israel on Thursday. The Israeli government blames the Islamist group Hamas.
According to the AP news agency, militants in the Gaza Strip fired rockets into southern Israel again early Friday following Israeli attacks.
The latest violence began on Wednesday after Israeli police raided the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem’s Old City. The airstrikes resulted in rocket fire from Gaza and a massive barrage of three dozen rockets from Lebanon into northern Israel.
Loud explosions resounded in parts of Gaza as Israeli jets hit Hamas tunnels and weapons production sites. The Israeli army said it also targeted Hamas facilities in southern Lebanon in airstrikes launched on Friday.
A Lebanese TV station reported an explosion in the southern port city of Tyros. The Army said it was increasing its military presence on the country’s borders with Lebanon and Gaza “to prepare for all possible scenarios.”
Tensions in the region rise after a clash between Israeli police and Palestinians at Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, Islam’s third-holiest site.
Chaos erupted again before dawn on Friday at Al-Aqsa Mosque during prayers between baton-wielding Israeli police and Palestinian worshipers chanting pro-Hamas slogans, the Associated Press reported.
Meanwhile, Israeli officials say two women were killed and another seriously injured in the attack on their vehicle in the occupied West Bank near the settlement of Tamra on Friday. Police say they are looking for suspects.
Israel reported Thursday that dozens of rocket attacks were launched against Israel from Lebanese territory.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Miami condemned the rocket attacks from Lebanon, adding that Lebanese troops and UN peacekeepers were conducting investigations and trying to find the perpetrators.
No group in Lebanon claimed responsibility for the attack. On condition of anonymity, a Lebanese security officer spoke.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday: “Israel’s response tonight and in the future will come at a heavy price.
The United States, Britain, and the United Nations recognizing Israel’s right to self-defense, call for restraint.
