ISLAMABAD: The Israeli authorities have ordered tens of thousands of Israeli residents to evacuate the vicinity due to increasing hostility between the Israeli army and Hezbollah along the northern border of Israel with Lebanon.
In the past 24 hours, evacuation orders were issued for 14 towns, and 28 others received similar directives in the preceding week.
The affected populations have shown various reactions to these evacuations. Some residents have expressed frustration and skepticism regarding their safety during the evacuation process.
A statement from the Israeli forces spokesperson reported one Israeli soldier dead and three injured as Israeli tanks and engineering vehicles came under fire in Qasuf Gaza on Sunday. The operation in Gaza aimed to damage the infrastructure of Hamas within Gaza, clear the area from weapons, and search for missing persons and bodies.
In the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian community grieves the loss of photojournalist Rushdi Sarraj, who became a victim of an Israeli assault on his residence.
US Bolsters Middle East Air Defenses
The US is sending THAAD and Patriot missile systems to the Middle East in response to recent attacks on US troops. They have also increased naval presence with two aircraft carriers and 2,000 Marines.
Amid rising tensions during the Israel-Hamas conflict, the U.S. is on high alert for potential actions by Iran-backed groups. In response, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered additional troops to prepare for deployment in the Middle East to bolster regional deterrence and enhance the defense of Israel.
This move follows the withdrawal of air defense systems from the region two years ago due to reduced tensions with Iran.
Israel Intensified The Bombardment in Gaza
Israel is intensifying its bombardment in Gaza to reduce risks during a land assault. More than one million Gaza residents have been urged to move south for their safety, and over half of the enclave’s population is now internally displaced. Bombardment continues in southern Gaza, with Hamas reporting nine casualties in Khan Younis overnight.
Washington is deploying defense systems and additional troops to the region amid concerns of a broader regional conflict. The Pentagon is notifying additional troops to prepare for deployment, but exact numbers and deployment dates haven’t been specified.
