Tensions rise on Israel-Lebanon border

By Idiris Okuduci

BEIRUT (AA) - Israeli soldiers opened fire toward demonstrators carrying Hezbollah flags on the Lebanese side of its northern border, Lebanese media reported Saturday.

A group of motorcyclists who came to the border area to celebrate Hamas’ attack on Israel, started unfurling Hezbollah flags, according to the reports.

Israeli soldiers opened fire toward the group but no one was injured.

The Palestinian group Hamas said it launched Operation Al-Aqsa Flood with rockets targeting Israeli sites, airports and military installations.

The Israeli army initiated Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas in the Gaza Strip in response.

At least 232 Palestinians have been killed in the attacks, according to medical sources in Gaza, while the Israeli death toll climbed to 300 in what has been described as a "war" by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Hamas, the group running the blockaded Gaza Strip, said its operation was in response to the desecration of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and increased settler violence.