Oct 15,V7N- The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon has intensified, with Israel expanding its military operations against Hezbollah targets. On Monday, an Israeli airstrike in northern Lebanon killed at least 21 people in the town of Aitou, where displaced families were sheltering. The strike followed a series of attacks and escalating tensions between the two sides, with Hezbollah firing projectiles into Israel, and Israel ordering the evacuation of villages near the border.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue attacking Hezbollah across Lebanon, including Beirut, after Hezbollah's drone strikes killed four Israeli soldiers. Israel claims its operations are in response to Hezbollah's support of Hamas in the Gaza conflict and are aimed at securing the return of displaced residents from northern Israel.

In parallel, tensions have risen between Israel and the U.N. peacekeeping force UNIFIL, with accusations of harm to peacekeepers. Netanyahu dismissed claims of intentional harm but urged UNIFIL to withdraw from areas close to the conflict. Despite the danger, UNIFIL has stated its intention to remain in southern Lebanon to maintain an international presence.

Meanwhile, the U.S. embassy in Lebanon and Australia have issued warnings to their citizens to leave the region amid fears of further escalation. The broader Middle East remains on high alert, with concerns over potential Israeli retaliation against Iran following missile launches earlier this month.

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