Chaos unleashed as Israeli strikes devastate Gaza

In a night of relentless Israeli airstrikes, Gaza faced a devastating toll with dozens dead and over 100 wounded, escalating regional tensions in the nearly three-month-old war.

As the conflict intensifies, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken gears up for his fourth visit to the Middle East amid rising global apprehension.

The Israeli military, on a mission to dismantle the Islamist militant group, targeted Gaza City and Khan Yunis, transforming these areas into urban combat zones.

The Gaza health ministry decried the “barbaric aerial and artillery bombardment of citizens’ homes,” resulting in widespread casualties and fires raging across Deir al-Balah and the Al-Maghazi refugee camp.

The strife extends beyond Gaza, as tensions rise with Lebanon following the assassination of Hamas deputy leader Saleh al-Aruri in Beirut.

Hezbollah vows retaliation, fueling concerns of a broader conflict. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah issues a stern warning, declaring readiness for an unrestrained response if Israel dares to wage war on Lebanon.

Mossad chief David Barnea issues a clear message, vowing to settle scores for the October 7 Hamas attack.

The repercussions of the conflict are evident, with displaced Palestinians facing dire conditions and the death toll rising. The UN warns of a looming humanitarian crisis as Gaza lies in ruins.

The region witnesses further turmoil as Yemen’s Huthi rebels disrupt global shipping lanes, prompting a joint warning from the US and allies.

President Joe Biden’s administration considers military strikes if the attacks persist, emphasizing a final warning to the Huthis.

Amidst these developments, twin bomb blasts in Iran near Qasem Soleimani’s grave claim 84 lives, intensifying regional tensions. Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei promises a harsh response, though blame-game ensues with no confirmation of involvement from the United States or Israel.

As fears mount about the expansion of the Israel-Hamas war, the US State Department emphasizes the undesirability of further escalation, echoing sentiments shared by many across the Middle East.