The day Lebanon burned

Israel launched a massive aerial assault on southern Lebanon, resulting in a rapidly escalating death toll throughout the day. Initial reports in the morning cited 50 casualties, which rose to 100 by midday, and surpassed 400 by evening. Hezbollah responded with rocket attacks on northern Israel and, unusually, as far south as Tel Aviv. The Israeli military warned Lebanese civilians to evacuate certain areas, signaling a potential ground operation. This marked a significant expansion of the conflict beyond Gaza, where the war entered its 353rd day. In Gaza, Israel continued to target schools housing displaced civilians, while Hamas warned of increased settler violations at Al-Aqsa Mosque during Jewish holidays. The day's events suggest a dangerous widening of the regional conflict.