Israel-Iran news: What to know about the Mideast war [Video]

JERUSALEM –

Iran’s ballistic missile attack on Israel caused few casualties and little damage, but it marked a further escalation of tensions in the Middle East as Israeli forces battle Tehran’s militant allies in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip.

Israel has vowed to retaliate against Iran.

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• Complete coverage of the Israel-Hamas war

At the heart of the recent escalation is the the nearly yearlong war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Palestinian officials say Israel launched air and ground operations in the territory’s southern city of Khan Younis early Wednesday, killing more than 50 people.

Israeli forces are meanwhile carrying out what they say are limited ground incursions into southern Lebanon. Hezbollah said Wednesday that its fighters had battled troops near the border, and the Israeli military announced that eight of its soldiers, including at least one commando, had been killed in the fighting.

Here’s what to know:

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