Renewed Tensions in the Region; Israel Attacks Locations in Gaza, Southern Lebanon, and Syria

Following the Israeli Prime Minister's order to resume military operations in Gaza and heavy air and ground attacks on March 18 and 19, clashes expanded to southern Lebanon and Syria on Saturday, March 21. In the heavy airstrikes on March 18, over 400 Palestinians were killed, and the following day, the Israeli army resumed ground operations, regaining control of the Netzarim crossing. Benjamin Netanyahu warned the extremist group Hamas that 'this is just the beginning' and that military operations would continue until all objectives are met, including the release of all remaining hostages in Gaza and the complete destruction of Hamas. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Hamas, designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the EU, warned that Netanyahu's decision to resume the war meant 'a death sentence for the remaining hostages' and was merely aimed at saving the 'right-wing coalition government' of Israel. Israeli attacks on Gaza continued on Saturday, March 21, including an airstrike in the 'Al-Tuffah' area of eastern Gaza, which killed at least five and injured several others. Simultaneously, artillery attacks targeted Deir al-Balah in central Gaza and shelling continued at the Netzarim crossing towards the city of Rafah in the southernmost part of the strip. On Friday, March 20, Germany, France, and Britain issued a joint statement calling for an immediate and renewed ceasefire in Gaza and for the continuation of humanitarian aid, including water, food, and medicine, restoration of electricity, and transfer of the injured outside the strip, in accordance with international human rights laws. The three countries also urged Hamas to release the remaining Israeli hostages. However, as Israel's new military operations in Gaza faced widespread protests and opposition both internationally and within Israel, clashes spread to southern Lebanon and Syria. On Saturday, March 21, Israel claimed to have intercepted three rockets fired from Lebanon about six kilometers from the border and reported a series of air and artillery attacks on southern Lebanon. The Israeli army warned that it would intensify its attacks on positions of Hezbollah, an Iranian ally, in response to any provocative actions. The Lebanese news agency confirmed that Israeli artillery targeted two towns in southern Lebanon, and three other towns near the border were hit by Israeli airstrikes. Lebanese state television reported one death and three injuries. Benjamin Netanyahu stated that in response to the rocket fire from Lebanon, he ordered the army to target dozens of 'terrorist' sites. The exchange of fire on Saturday between Israel and Hezbollah marked the first conflict between the two sides since Israel's recent ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza, potentially jeopardizing the fragile truce between Israel and Hezbollah. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam warned of the resumption of clashes in his country. Meanwhile, Israel's Defense Minister attributed any rocket attacks from southern Lebanon to the Lebanese government. Israel Katz stated, 'We will not allow the settlements and the community of residents in Galilee to be under fire from rockets launched from Lebanon. We have promised these people security, and that is how it will be.' Israel announced it would remain in five locations in southern Lebanon, prompting a reaction from Beirut. Israel claims that contrary to the ceasefire agreement, Hezbollah continues to maintain military bases and infrastructure in southern Lebanon. On the other hand, Beirut and Hezbollah accuse Israel of occupying Lebanese territory, pointing to the continued presence of Israeli forces in five elevated border points within Lebanese territory. In another development, the Israeli army confirmed that on Friday, March 20, it attacked two military bases in Syrian territory, referred to as 'Tadmur' and 'T4,' which they described as having 'strategic military capabilities.' Israel had continuously targeted Syrian army bases and military depots close to the Islamic Republic in Syria before the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. These attacks had resulted in the deaths of several senior IRGC officers. Military actions by Israel in Syria have continued after the fall of Bashar al-Assad, including the occupation of other parts of the Golan Heights, which were under Syrian control, under the pretext of needing to create a security buffer zone. Occasional Israeli airstrikes have continued in various locations across Syria. The military conflicts between Israel and Hamas and Hezbollah, two groups allied with the Islamic Republic, have escalated as Israeli and an American official stated that a high-level Israeli delegation is scheduled to visit the White House in the coming days for strategic discussions regarding Iran.