Hezbollah launched a rocket attack on northern Israel on Saturday, its first strike following a series of intense Israeli airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs overnight.

In response, the Israeli military confirmed new airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions in eastern Lebanon, as tensions between the two sides escalate, raising fears of a broader conflict.

In a statement, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for targeting the kibbutz Kabri in northern Israel with a salvo of Fadi-1 rockets, asserting that the attack was a defensive measure against what they termed “barbaric” Israeli actions against Lebanese civilians.

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“Defending Lebanon and its people, and responding to the barbaric attacks on cities and villages,” the group said, reaffirming its commitment to retaliate against Israeli aggression.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported that sirens were activated in northern Israel as a response to Hezbollah’s claims, indicating the heightened state of alert in the region.

The IDF also stated that they were currently engaging “terror targets belonging to the Hezbollah terrorist organization in the area of Beqaa” in eastern Lebanon.

The tensions escalated significantly after the Israeli military executed a series of heavy bombardments on Friday, targeting what it identified as Hezbollah’s headquarters in Beirut.

The strikes resulted in substantial destruction, leveling several high-rise buildings and reportedly aimed at eliminating key figures within the militant group, including its leader, Hassan Nasrallah.

According to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, at least six people were killed and 91 others injured in the Israeli strikes, marking the largest blast to affect the Lebanese capital in the past year.

As rescue teams continue to sift through the rubble of six destroyed buildings, authorities fear the death toll may rise.

Sources close to the situation, including a U.S. official, indicated that Nasrallah was the primary target of the Israeli airstrikes, suggesting a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.

The attacks have raised concerns that the situation could spiral into a full-fledged war as both sides prepare for further military engagement.

As regional tensions mount, the international community watches closely, hoping for a de-escalation in a conflict that has already inflicted significant casualties and devastation on both sides.

Ukraine has implemented restrictions on Telegram for government, military, and security personnel, citing national security threats associated with the app, founded by Russian-born Pavel Durov.

The National Security and Defence Council announced in a statement on it’s Facebook page that these limitations will affect all government agencies, military units, and critical infrastructure facilities.

The council emphasized that this measure is essential for protecting national security.

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It reads, “The National Security and Defence Council decided to restrict the use of Telegram in government agencies, military formations and critical infrastructure facilities. It is a “matter of national security.”

More to follow…………. 

The European Parliament has voted decisively to remove restrictions on Ukraine’s use of Western-supplied weapons against Russian territory.

The resolution, passed by 425 votes to 131, with 63 abstentions, marks a significant escalation in European support for Ukraine’s defense efforts.

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The resolution calls on EU member states to allow Ukraine to use long-range missiles and other advanced weaponry against “legitimate military targets” in Russia.

Lawmakers argue that Ukraine needs to fully defend itself, emphasizing that without the ability to strike Russian targets, the country remains vulnerable to continued attacks on its cities and infrastructure.

Additionally, the Parliament urged EU countries to speed up arms deliveries and impose tougher sanctions on Russia, including a full embargo on Russian oil and gas.

The resolution also calls for increased funding for Ukraine’s military and further sanctions on nations assisting Russia, such as Belarus.

However, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that allowing Ukraine to strike inside Russia could be seen as NATO’s direct involvement in the war, raising fears of a broader conflict.

While the vote is non-binding, it sends a strong signal to European governments, many of which have hesitated to provide Ukraine with long-range weapons like Germany’s Taurus missiles due to concerns over escalation.