Israel Destroys 175 Hezbollah, Hamas Targets in Past Day

Jerusalem, 20 October, 2024 (TPS) -- Israeli forces continued operations in southern Lebanon and across the Gaza Strip over the past day carrying out 175 airstrikes, eliminating Hezbollah and Hamas terrorists, destroying terror infrastructure and seizing weapons, the Israel Defense Forces said on Sunday morning.

The Air Force eliminated more than 65 Hezbollah terrorists in southern Lebanon and attacked dozens of the Iran-backed organization’s targets, missile launchers aimed at Israel and other terror infrastructure.

The strikes follow Israel’s push deeper into southern Lebanon. The broadening operations suggest Israel has largely secured the immediate vicinity of the Lebanese border and will continue its efforts to eliminate Hezbollah’s presence from southern Lebanon.

In various raids, soldiers killed Hezbollah terrorists in face-to-face battles in cooperation with the Air Force.

Meanwhile in Gaza, soldiers continued operations across the Strip, killing dozens of Hamas terrorists in airstrikes and close-quarters combat.

After the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023, the Iran-backed Hezbollah began firing rockets and launching drones at northern Israel communities daily. According to figures released by the government on Sept. 29, more than 68,000 residents of northern Israel are displaced from their homes. Hezbollah leaders have repeatedly said they would continue the attacks to prevent Israelis from returning to their homes.

According to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 Second Lebanon War, the terror group is forbidden from operating in southern Lebanon.

At least 1,200 people were killed, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage in Hamas’s attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7. Of the 97 remaining hostages, more than 30 have been declared dead. Hamas has also been holding captive two Israeli civilians since 2014 and 2015, and the bodies of two soldiers killed in 2014.