8 Israeli soldiers killed in clashes with Hezbollah

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have confirmed the deaths of eight Israeli soldiers during ground combat with Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon.

This marks the first reported casualties within Lebanon since Israel’s military invasion commenced just a day earlier.

As the IDF intensifies its operations, military officials report the use of “precision-guided munitions and close-range engagements,” indicating a deeper push into Lebanese territory.

The clashes with Hezbollah militants have raised alarms about the potential for further regional instability.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the situation, issuing a strong warning to Iran, stating, “Iran will pay.” This warning follows reports of Iran firing approximately 180 missiles at Israel on Tuesday, adding to the mounting tensions in the region.

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The ongoing violence has inflicted severe consequences on Lebanon, with officials estimating over 1,000 fatalities in the past two weeks and nearly one million residents displaced as the conflict continues to escalate.

The situation in Gaza is similarly alarming, as the Hamas-run health ministry reports that recent Israeli airstrikes on the Khan Younis area have resulted in at least 51 deaths.

The toll from the conflict is rising on all sides, as the humanitarian crisis deepens amid the fighting.