On Monday, Israeli strikes in southern Beirut, near Rafik Hariri University Hospital, killed four people, including a child, and injured 24. Israel's military did not immediately comment. Over the past month, Israel has targeted key Hezbollah and Hamas leaders, including the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, but Israeli officials say their military campaign will continue until Hamas is no longer a threat. Iran and its allies have vowed to strengthen their resistance after Sinwar's death.
Blinken's discussions will focus on ending the Gaza war, preparing a post-conflict plan for the region, and finding a diplomatic solution to the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein met with Lebanese officials to discuss ceasefire conditions, emphasizing the need for better implementation of UN Resolution 1701, which calls for a demilitarized southern Lebanon.
Israel's military has been targeting Hezbollah's financial network, including the Al-Qard Al-Hassan Association. In Syria, Israeli strikes reportedly killed a Hezbollah financial leader. Lebanon's health ministry said that since the conflict began, 2,483 people have been killed, with over 11,600 injured.
In northern Israel and the Golan Heights, 59 people have died due to cross-border attacks. The ongoing violence has displaced 1.2 million people in Lebanon, with Israel aiming to push Hezbollah from the border to allow displaced Israelis to return home.
