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Israel intensifies bombardment of Gaza, southern Lebanon before October 7 anniversary

Israel is battling Hamas in the Gaza Strip and Hezbollah in Lebanon, as it prepares to strike Iran for a ballistic missile attack

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Flames and smoke rise from an Israeli air strike in Dahiyeh, Beirut, Lebanon, on Sunday. Photo: AP

A new round of air strikes hit Beirut suburbs late Sunday as Israel intensified its bombardment of northern Gaza and southern Lebanon in a widening war with Iran-allied militant groups across the region. Palestinian officials said a strike on a mosque killed at least 19 people.

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A year after Hamas’ October 7 attack, Israel has opened a new front in Lebanon against Hezbollah, which has traded fire with Israel since the war in Gaza began.

Israel’s military confirmed a Hezbollah attack on the northern city of Haifa, though it was not immediately clear whether shrapnel from “fallen projectiles” was from rockets or interceptors. Hezbollah said it tried to hit a nearby naval base.

The Magen David Adom ambulance service said it treated 10 people, most of them hurt by shrapnel.

Israel also has vowed to strike Iran after a ballistic missile attack on Israel last week. The widening conflict risks further drawing in the United States, which has provided crucial military and diplomatic support to Israel. Iran-allied militant groups in Syria, Iraq and Yemen have joined in with long-distance strikes on Israel.

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Israel is on high alert ahead of memorial events for the October 7 attack, while rallies continue around the world marking the anniversary.

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