IDF strikes Hezbollah targets in Lebanon as fighting intensifies in Khan Younis

The Israel Defense Forces said it struck multiple Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon on Thursday, including tank fire at two terror sites in the areas of Tyr Harfa and Aita al-Shaab, an airstrike on another site in Kafr Kila, a surveillance post in Blida, and artillery fire in al-Dhahira. Earlier in the day, the IDF also hit an airstrip in Qalaat Jabor, about 20 kilometers from the Israeli border, which Defense Minister Yoav Gallant had previously described as an Iranian-controlled field used against Israel.

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF said it expanded operations in Khan Younis, especially in the Al-Amal neighborhood, killing dozens of militants and locating weapons, mortars, rockets, Kalashnikov rifles, grenade launcher rounds, drone munitions and other explosives. Sniper teams, the military said, killed dozens of armed operatives who posed a threat. Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, visiting Khan Younis, called the campaign “combat on historical terms,” praised reservists for their experience and adaptability, and said the war would not end “until all the people are out.”

Palestinian officials said 20 people were killed and 150 wounded in an airstrike at Kuwait Square in central Gaza while they were waiting for aid. The IDF separately denied responsibility for reported damage at an UNRWA facility in Khan Younis, saying an initial review ruled out an Israeli air or artillery strike and that it was checking whether Hamas fire caused the damage. The United States said it was “very concerned” and would seek answers.

The day also saw renewed pressure over hostages. Families blocked southern Route 20 in Tel Aviv and later Kerem Shalom crossing, demanding a deal “now and at any price,” while police detained two protesters and seized chains, flares and other equipment. Hamas official Osama Hamdan said the group is seriously considering mediator proposals and would free hostages if Israel releases Palestinian prisoners, without tying that to a full ceasefire. Meanwhile, reports said CIA chief William Burns was due to meet Qatari, Egyptian and Israeli officials on a hostage deal, and other reports suggested Israel has dropped its demand to exile senior Hamas figures from Gaza.