Hezbollah's Pre-Dawn Rocket Barrage Escalates Tensions with Israel

Hezbollah launched hundreds of rockets and drones at Israel on Sunday, prompting Israel to conduct pre-emptive airstrikes using around 100 jets. The strike is among the largest clashes in over 10 months, risking a wider regional conflict. Both sides have made significant declarations, yet avoid full-scale war escalation.

Hezbollah launched an intensive rocket and drone attack on Israel early Sunday, marking one of the largest exchanges of fire in over 10 months of border hostilities. Israel's military countered with pre-emptive airstrikes using around 100 jets, aiming to thwart what could have been a larger-scale assault.

Missiles could be seen streaking through the dawn sky as air raid sirens wailed in Israel. The Israeli Foreign Minister clarified that the country does not seek a full-scale war. Hezbollah announced it had fired 320 Katyusha rockets in retaliation for last month's assassination of a senior commander, Fuad Shukr.

The heightened tensions come as negotiators in Cairo attempt to broker a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict. The U.N. has urged both sides to cease fire amidst the escalating violence. While casualties are yet to be fully determined, the risk of a broader regional conflict involving Iran and the United States looms large.

(With inputs from agencies.)