Hezbollah, Israel exchange heavy fire as fear grows of widening conflict

Smoke rose after an Israeli airstrike hit Tyre in southern Lebanon, as Hezbollah and Israel exchanged heavy fire. Hezbollah sent rockets into northern Israeli territory after facing intense bombardment. The conflict escalated when Hezbollah opened a second front against Israel, in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Israel launched its heaviest bombardment of Lebanon, resulting in casualties on both sides. Schools are closed, and hospitals moved patients to protected areas. Both sides continue to exchange fire, with fears that the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon could spread regionally. The UN and Lebanon’s top Christian cleric have called for an end to the violence. Israel wants Hezbollah to cease fire and withdraw forces from the border region. Thousands have been displaced on both sides of the border.