Israel steps up offensives against Hamas and Hezbollah

Israel is a country braced for more war. I'm speaking to you from outside the defence ministry, which could order strikes against Iran at any time. Iran has already grounded overnight flights from all its airports. It follows an intense night in both Gaza and Beirut, as Israel stepped up its offensives against the Iran-backed groups Hamas and Hezbollah.

There were more than 30 air strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, Hezbollah's stronghold, hitting targets near Lebanon's only international airport.

The health ministry says Israeli air strikes killed 23 people yesterday, in the Bekaa and Baalbek-Hermel regions, and across southern Lebanon.

Hezbollah has fired dozens more rockets at northern Israel, triggering warning sirens in a number of places.

There's also been a shooting attack at Beer-Sheva bus station in southern Israel, which killed a 19-year-old policewoman and injured ten others.

And in Gaza, Israeli air strikes hit a mosque and school sheltering displaced people in central Deir al-Balah overnight, killing 26 people and wounding dozens more.

It also launched a major new offensive in the densely-populated Jabaliya refugee camp.

Alex Thomson has this report, which contains distressing images.

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[Sashas]

A year ago they were dancing on the streets of Gaza when Hamas brought in hostages. Who’s dancing now?

[leonidfisher]

If you start a war, absorb the consequences and don't play a victim.

[AbaddonianG]

They want to spread terror without suffering the consequences .

[johnson]

Just curious, what did Hezbollah and the Lebanese people expect when Hezbollah was firing in rockets to Israel since Oct. 8?
Where are all the uproars then?

[YoramAizenberg]

Beautiful Lebanon.  Why did you give your soul and your land to Iran?

[Stormyskippy]

Where is the Lebanese government in all this mess?

[abkd]

Don't start fighting if you can't defend yourself....

[jaycristoval]

Channel 4 won't mention yazidi girl held for 10 years in Gaza and liberated finally by the IDF... I'd be shocked if this comment stayed up over an hour.

[pngpraises]

If you can't defend your civilians, do not start the war.

[laptopfireman]

Israel citizens are NOT dancing in the streets, that says a lot about humanity !

[leonardmcguyver]

Oh, those 2 poor hamas voters... maybe next time dont invade israel

[Kevin-fqzh]

arab countries are quietly cheering Israel on the sidelines

[Seeker-of-Truth_Hater-of-Lies]

Like how they showed the suffering of the Gazans...very sad situation...but really Channel 4, not one word about how the war could stop if Sinwar would give the hostages back?

[aa]

Why are the Lebanese people bombarding Israel for almost 12 months. Now they're playing the victim card . Why are the Arabs in Gaza fighting against Hamas for their well-being. They know where the hostages are. Just give them back

[schofield]

These people were complicit raising and harbouring and hiding Hamas who perpetrated Oct 7 and so sealed their own children’s fate

[AresGodofWar]

It's the fault of hamas, and hamas is responsible and to blame.

[braxxian]

Same old Middle East. Totally screwed up.

[SLonxxxx]

When they say "martyred", you know they are beyond help.

[AresGodofWar]

This war can be stopped if hamas disarms and unconditionally surrenders. If they keep fighting, then they're responsible for what happens to their people.

[HappyKafir]

Yeah, because these cowards use human shields