Israeli Strikes in Gaza Kill 51 Amid Ground Operations in Khan Younis as Regional Conflict Expands

At least 51 people, including women and children, were killed in southern Gaza overnight during Israeli airstrikes as ground operations intensified in Khan Younis, Palestinian medical officials reported on Wednesday. The strikes came as Israel targeted what it claimed were militant positions across Gaza, nearly a year after Hamas’ initial attack on October 7, which ignited the ongoing conflict.

The military’s focus in Gaza has remained sharp even as tensions escalate in Lebanon and Iran. In Lebanon, Hezbollah fighters clashed with Israeli troops in the border town of Odaisseh, reportedly forcing an Israeli retreat. This marked one of the first ground combat incidents since Israeli forces entered southern Lebanon this week, with Israeli infantry and tanks positioned along the border.

Iran also joined the fray, firing a salvo of ballistic missiles at Israel in response to attacks on Hezbollah and the killing of key figures in Hamas and Hezbollah leadership. Israeli defense systems intercepted several missiles, but the threat of wider regional war looms large.

The latest developments in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran have raised fears of an all-out conflict across the Middle East, with the United Nations and world leaders urging de-escalation, but no clear path to peace seems visible as the fighting continues.