Lebanon's Hezbollah, Israel exchange fire on border

By Ikram Kouachi

ANKARA (AA) — Tension on the Israeli-Lebanese border escalated on Friday, as the Israeli army and Hezbollah exchanged fire amid the ongoing bombardment of the Gaza Strip.

Hezbollah in a statement said it attacked a group of Israeli soldiers in the Hunin barracks near the border, causing casualties.

The Lebanese group said it struck the Al-Asi area, in addition to Shebaa Farms and Kfar Shuba Hills with guided missiles.

Meanwhile, the Israeli army said it was "monitoring the firing of about 20 missiles from Lebanon towards Israel."

Fresh Israeli shelling targeting the town of Al-Bustan in southern Lebanon followed a Hezbollah attack on Harmon with guided missiles, according to an Anadolu correspondent.

The Israeli army also said it "recently attacked a terrorist cell operating near the border in Lebanese territory."

It said a report had been received about "a number of anti-tank missiles" fired at Israeli military posts on the Lebanese border, adding that the army forces "continue to respond with fire."

"No casualties to our forces," it added.

The conflict in Gaza, under Israeli bombardment and blockade since Oct. 7, began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea, and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip, along with stepping up raids and arrests in the occupied West Bank.