Israeli Army Conducts Air and Drone Strikes in Southern Lebanon

Lebanese state media reported that the Israeli army carried out air and drone strikes in southern Lebanon early Thursday, November 4. According to the Associated Press, these strikes occurred in an area where Hezbollah militants and Israeli forces have exchanged fire in recent weeks. The National News Agency of Lebanon stated that no casualties were reported from the Israeli attacks, but they caused fires in fields near the border town of Aita al-Shaab. The report indicated that Hezbollah militants and Israeli forces engaged in light weapon clashes, with no casualties reported on either side. Tensions at the Lebanon-Israel border have escalated following the Hamas militant group's attack on Israel on October 7 and the subsequent blockade of Gaza by Israel. In response to the Hamas attack, which resulted in over 1,400 deaths, Israel has launched attacks on Gaza. Hamas officials, who control Gaza, claim that over 6,500 people have been killed and more than 17,000 injured due to Israeli attacks. The Associated Press states it cannot independently verify these figures. Israel claims it targets Hamas positions and has accused the group of using human shields to protect its military sites. Meanwhile, the United Nations and its affiliated agencies have declared the situation in Gaza as critical. Netanyahu warned that if Hezbollah attacks, Lebanon will pay the price. The escalation of Israeli attacks in southern Gaza coincides with a meeting between Nasrallah and leaders of Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Israel has targeted Hamas positions in northern Gaza and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. Amir-Abdollahian stated that there is a possibility of losing control among all parties involved.