Israel claims destruction of Hezbollah base on Lebanon's Ali al-Taher ridge

Israeli forces launched a series of air and artillery strikes on Gaza early Monday, a week after the military announced it had secured operational control of the strategically important ridge that overlooks the southern border. The ridge, which sits on the edge of the Rafah enclave, has been a focal point of the conflict because its elevation provides a tactical advantage for monitoring movements and directing fire across the densely populated area. Israeli officials said the operation aimed to neutralize Hamas positions that have been used to launch rockets toward southern Israel, while the Palestinian health ministry reported dozens of casualties among civilians in the targeted neighborhoods.

The renewed bombardment follows a pattern of intensified fighting since the ridge was seized, with both sides exchanging accusations of disproportionate force. International observers have called for restraint, noting that the ridge’s capture has heightened tensions and complicated humanitarian access to the enclave. As the hostilities continue, aid agencies warn that the escalating violence could further impede the delivery of essential supplies to Gaza’s civilian population, underscoring the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to de‑escalate the situation.