Because Borrell primarily warned Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati. The country appears already deeply involved in the conflict between Hamas and Israel, and the EU’s top executive hopes to prevent further escalation. He said that the entire Middle East must be prevented from being drawn into this war.
Hezbollah announced on Saturday morning that it had fired 62 missiles from Lebanon at an Israeli army observation point. This is said to be a response to the killing of a Hamas leader. Israel reported that it had detected the launch of about 40 missiles.
Israeli forces are said to have launched a counterattack after rockets were fired from Lebanon. Sirens sounded in northern Israel.
Hezbollah says its attack comes in response to the killing of a Hamas leader. Saleh Al-Arouri was killed on Tuesday, January 2, in an Israeli drone strike on the southern outskirts of Beirut. He was killed in the Dahiya area, which is known to be a Hezbollah stronghold.
Not only did Hezbollah fire rockets into northern Israel on Saturday, but the Sunni Islamist group also announced attacks. The group launched two series of missile attacks from Lebanon.
There have been no reports yet from northern Israel about possible casualties.
The Israeli response was not delayed. Israeli military forces reported on Saturday afternoon that they had attacked several areas belonging to Hezbollah.
Authorities said this included Aita al-Shaab, Yaron and Ramiya. Aerial photos of attacks on various military structures and buildings are shared on X. For example, a missile launch site was allegedly targeted.
Not only on Saturday, but also in the days leading up to it, the Middle East was shocked by several attacks. Tensions are already high in the region due to the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The risk of escalation of that conflict is growing.
NU.nl foreign correspondents Mathis Le Lox and Robert van der Linde provide an extensive back story on the various attacks and why the chance of escalation is increasing.
Finally, Hamas announced new numbers through its Ministry of Health. According to Hamas, at least 122 Palestinians were killed and 256 people were injured in the past 24 hours.
Hamas figures estimate the total number of Palestinian deaths since the start of the war with Israel at 22,722. According to Hamas, 58,166 people were injured on the Palestinian side.
