Israel pummels Gaza and Lebanon, killing dozens [Video]

BEIRUT –

Israel launched waves of deadly airstrikes across Lebanon’s northeast that killed at least 45 people on Friday, authorities said, and transformed once-bustling neighbourhood blocks in Beirut’s southern suburbs into smouldering ruins.

Meanwhile in central Gaza, Palestinians recovered the bodies of 25 people killed in a barrage of Israeli aerial attacks that began Thursday, hospital officials said. Israel said it targeted Hamas infrastructure near the Nuseirat refugee camp.

• Complete coverage of the Israel-Hamas war

The latest violence comes against the backdrop of the Biden administration’s renewed diplomatic push, days before the U.S. election, to reach temporary ceasefire deals. Israel has stepped up its offensive against Hamas’ remaining fighters in Gaza, pulverizing areas in the north and raising fears of worsening humanitarian conditions for civilians still there.

Israel has broadened its strikes in Lebanon to bigger urban hubs, like Baalbek, in recent weeks after initially targeting smaller border villages in the south, where Hezbollah draws deep support. Iran-backed …