JERUSALEM, Israel — The Israeli government reported Saturday, October 19, 2024, that a drone targeted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s residence in Caesarea, marking an escalation in regional tensions as Iran’s supreme leader vowed continued support for Hamas following the killing of a senior leader behind the 2023 attack on Israel.
Netanyahu and his wife were not at home during the incident, and no casualties were reported.
Sirens blared across northern Israel as a barrage of projectiles was launched from Lebanon, further escalating the volatile situation.
The Israeli military confirmed that around 180 rockets had been fired throughout the day, with one man killed by shrapnel in northern Israel and several others injured.
The attack came amid ongoing Israeli offensives against Hamas militants in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, both backed by Iran.
Rising Tensions in Gaza and Lebanon
The attacks on Israel coincided with increased military activity in Gaza, where Israeli forces intensified strikes on hospitals and residential areas in the northern part of the Palestinian enclave.
Over 50 people, including children, were killed in less than 24 hours, according to local hospital officials.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah, a key Iranian ally in Lebanon, has ramped up its military actions against Israel, launching guided missiles and drones.
Israel responded with ground troops and airstrikes, including the killing of Hezbollah’s deputy commander in the southern Lebanese town of Bint Jbeil.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Backs Hamas
In Tehran, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei expressed unwavering support for Hamas, despite the killing of its leader, Yahya Sinwar, earlier this week.
“Hamas is alive and will stay alive,” Khamenei said in a speech on Friday, dismissing suggestions that Sinwar’s death would weaken the group’s resolve.
Hamas, which orchestrated the deadly October 7, 2023 attack on Israel that left more than 1,200 Israelis dead and 250 kidnapped, has rejected Israel’s demands for a cease-fire or hostage release until Israeli forces withdraw from Gaza.
The conflict, which has already claimed over 42,000 Palestinian lives according to health officials, shows no signs of abating, with both Israel and Hamas signalling their determination to continue fighting.
Strikes Continue in Gaza
Israeli strikes targeted key infrastructure in Gaza, hitting hospitals and residential buildings.
At the Indonesian Hospital in Beit Lahiya, Israeli forces opened fire on the building, causing panic among patients and staff, while the Al-Awda hospital in Jabaliya was also struck, injuring several medical workers.
In separate strikes across northern Gaza, dozens of civilians, including children, were killed.
The attacks have devastated Gaza’s infrastructure, displacing 90% of its population and creating severe shortages of basic necessities such as food, water, and medicine.
Outlook on Escalating Conflict
As the conflict continues, the death of Hamas leader Sinwar is being seen by Israel as a significant milestone in its war effort, though there is little indication that it will lead to a cessation of hostilities.
The ongoing barrages from Lebanon, the killing of high-ranking Hezbollah officials, and the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza are pushing the region further into turmoil.
Meanwhile, international calls for a ceasefire and renewed negotiations remain largely unheeded as both sides press forward with their military campaigns.
