Hezbollah launches heavy rocket barrage on northern Israel amid ongoing conflict
Hezbollah launched a significant rocket barrage targeting northern Israel, including the cities of Haifa and the Krayot region, marking one of the most intense shelling events since the conflict's escalation. Israeli media reported that around 100 rockets were fired from border sites, areas previously claimed to be under Israeli control. The strike resulted in direct casualties in the Krayot area, with reports of at least three people wounded in Bi’ina. Emergency services were quickly deployed to the region.
The attack also affected other parts of northern Israel, including Haifa, Kiryat Bialik, and Kiryat Ata. Sirens were heard across Haifa, the Krayot, and the surrounding industrial zones, signaling a significant escalation in the violence. Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav described the scale of the attack as one of the largest since Hezbollah began shelling northern Israel on October 8.
In a shift to higher-grade weaponry, Hezbollah launched two ballistic missiles as part of the assault. The group took responsibility for the attack, claiming they targeted a training base for the Israeli Paratroopers Brigade in the Karmiel settlement.
The timing of this attack follows recent statements by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, who claimed that Israel had "defeated Hezbollah" and emphasized that it was now Israel's responsibility to press further for victory. This missile salvo comes just a day after Katz’s remarks, marking an escalation of hostilities between the two sides.
Since the start of the Israeli war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, Hezbollah has engaged in limited but direct action against Israeli forces. Tensions have been high, with Israel conducting cyber-attacks and airstrikes, and targeting Hezbollah leaders. The situation has further escalated with widespread bombings and assassinations, contributing to a growing death toll in Lebanon. The Lebanese Ministry of Health reported that, as of November 10, 3,189 Lebanese have been killed and over 14,000 injured since the beginning of Israel's aggression on Lebanon.
Rockets from Lebanon made direct impact north of Haifa and a number of Israelis were reportedly wounded. pic.twitter.com/sih8q0EFmG
— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) November 11, 2024
Destruction in Kiryat Biyalik, north of Haifa, as a result of 100 rockets fired from Lebanon, the largest barrage towards the city since the war began. pic.twitter.com/AgtMG4xGlQ
— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) November 11, 2024
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London, Nov 22: A bomb disposal squad deployed as a “precaution” to the South Terminal of Gatwick Airport concluded an investigation into a "security incident" on Friday after making a “suspect package” safe.
The South Terminal of Gatwick Airport, the UK's second busiest airport after Heathrow, which was briefly shut owing to the incident reopened following the incident.
The Gatwick is around 45 km south of London.
Two people detained during the enquiries have since been allowed to continue their journey as the airport was opened.
“Police have concluded their investigation into a report of a suspect package at Gatwick Airport. Officers from the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team made the package safe, and the airport has been handed back to its operator,” Sussex Police said in an updated statement.
“Two people detained while enquiries were ongoing have subsequently been allowed to continue their journeys. There will remain an increased police presence in the area to assist with passengers accessing the South Terminal for onward travel,” the statement added.
Earlier on Friday, the incident caused severe disruption at the busy airport’s South Terminal, while the North Terminal of Gatwick Airport remained unaffected.
“Police were called to the South Terminal at Gatwick Airport at 8.20 am on Friday (November 22) following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage,” a Sussex Police statement said.
“To ensure the safety of the public, staff and other airport users, a security cordon has been put in place whilst the matter is dealt with. As a precaution, an EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team is being deployed to the airport. This is causing significant disruption and some roads around the South Terminal have been closed. We’d advise the public to avoid the area where possible,” it said.
Footage on social media taken outside the airport showed crowds of frustrated travellers being moved away from the terminal building.
Gatwick said it was working hard to resolve the issue.
“A large part of the South Terminal has been evacuated as a precaution while we continue to investigate a security incident," the airport said in a social media post.
“Passengers will not be able to enter the South Terminal while this is ongoing. The safety and security of our passengers and staff remain our top priority. We are working hard to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.”
Train and bus services that serve the airport were also impacted while the police carried out their inquiries.
In an unrelated incident in south London on Friday morning, the US Embassy area in Nine Elms by the River Thames was the scene of a controlled explosion by Scotland Yard dealing with what they believe may have been a “hoax device”.
“We can confirm the 'loud bang' reported in the area a short time ago was a controlled explosion carried out by officers,” the Metropolitan Police said in a post on X.
“Initial indications are that the item was a hoax device. An investigation will now follow. Some cordons will remain in place for the time being but the majority of the police response will now be stood down,” it added.
