Gaza Strike: New Hezbollah Leader Elected

Early Tuesday, an Israeli strike in northern Gaza's Beit Lahiya town killed at least 34 people. The target was a five-story building sheltering displaced Palestinians. Over half of the victims were women and children. This happens amidst a major Israeli operation in the area, which has lasted over three weeks and displaced thousands. Meanwhile, in Lebanon, Hezbollah announced a new leader. Sheikh Naim Kassem, who has been a deputy for over three decades, is now the group's top leader. This follows the death of Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike last month. Hezbollah pledged to continue Nasrallah's policies. The strike in Gaza injured 20 more people. The Gaza Health Ministry said the dead included families with children. Kamal Adwan Hospital, near the strike site, was overwhelmed with wounded. It was also raided by Israeli forces over the weekend, detaining many medics.

Israel's military hasn't commented yet. They've been targeting Hamas militants in the north, claiming precise strikes and minimal civilian harm. However, women and children often die in these raids. The current operation, focused on Jabaliya refugee camp, has killed hundreds and displaced tens of thousands. Israel has restricted aid to the north this month. The U. S. has warned of reduced military aid if humanitarian access isn't improved. Palestinians fear Israel might enact a plan to evacuate civilians, cut off aid, and consider remaining residents as militants. The military denies such a plan. On Monday, Israel's parliament passed laws that could stop the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, from operating in the Palestinian territories. This follows claims that Hamas has infiltrated UNRWA, which the agency denies. The war started when Hamas militants entered Israel, killing 1, 200 people and abducting 250. Some 100 hostages remain, and the Palestinian death toll is over 43, 000. Israeli operations have displaced 90% of Gaza's 2. 3 million population.

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