Israel Bombards Gaza, Yemen, and Lebanon in Response to Militant Attacks

The Israeli army swiftly bombarded Gaza, Lebanon, and Yemen in response to attacks from Iran-backed militant groups. Despite U.S. Secretary of State's emphasis that an agreement to end over nine months of devastating war between Israel and the extremist group Hamas is near, the Israeli army announced that a missile from Yemen had been fired towards Israeli territory, which Israeli forces intercepted. Hamas is one of the groups listed as terrorist organizations by the U.S. and the European Union. Israel continues its attacks in Palestinian territories. Since Saturday, dozens have been killed in the Gaza Strip, especially in attacks on homes in the Nuseirat and Bureij areas and among refugees near Khan Younis. Residents reported that a major operation is underway in the Rafah area in southern Gaza, with heavy artillery fire and multiple clashes. These deadly attacks in Gaza occurred just hours after Hezbollah and Hamas announced they had fired at Israeli positions from southern Lebanon, while Yemeni Houthi rebels promised to respond to Israeli airstrikes on the key port of Hodeidah. Israeli fighters targeted 'a Hezbollah weapons depot' in southern Lebanon. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated, 'The fire resulting from attacks on the Hodeidah port controlled by rebels is seen throughout the Middle East, and its significance is clear.' Gallant warned that further operations would be conducted if the Houthis dared to attack Israel. This warning came after a drone attack by the rebels that killed one person in Tel Aviv on Friday. The bombing of Hodeidah by Israel followed a drone attack on central Tel Aviv on Friday morning that killed one person and injured at least ten others. The Houthi group claimed responsibility for this attack. According to Houthi media, three people were killed and 87 injured in Israel's retaliatory strike on Hodeidah. Israel reported intercepting a missile fired from Yemen. Nasser Kanaani, spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, condemned Israel's attacks on Hodeidah and warned of 'the danger of escalating tensions and spreading the fire of war in the region due to' what he called 'Israel's dangerous adventures.' Mr. Kanaani also stated that the Islamic Republic holds the Israeli government and its supporters, including the U.S. government, 'directly responsible for the dangerous and unpredictable consequences' of the ongoing war in Gaza and 'adventurous attacks on Yemen.' The three mentioned Iran-backed militant groups have vowed to continue their attacks on Israel until a ceasefire ends the violence in Gaza. The Gaza Strip is in ruins, and most residents have been forced to leave their homes. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with American lawmakers in Washington on Wednesday, where he will reportedly be pressured to reach a ceasefire with Hamas. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated on Friday that a ceasefire is near. He said, 'I believe we are getting closer to an agreement that will lead to a ceasefire, hostages returning home, and put us on a better path towards efforts for peace and sustainable stability.'