Amid failed ceasefire negotiations, Israel and Hezbollah exchanged deadly fire on Friday. Israeli airstrikes have killed over 700 people in Lebanon this week, intensifying since Monday as the conflict with the Iran-backed group escalates. Hezbollah responded by launching rockets into northern Israel, targeting cities like Tiberias.

Efforts by the U.S. and France to broker a 21-day truce were rejected by Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz, who vowed to continue military operations “until victory.” The violence marks the worst conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in 18 years, raising fears of a broader regional war.

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Israeli strikes also reportedly killed nine members of a family in southern Lebanon, further escalating tensions. The ongoing conflict has disrupted daily life in northern Israel and displaced over 90,000 people in Lebanon, with many fleeing to Syria.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stressed the importance of reaching a ceasefire, warning that further escalation would complicate efforts to return displaced civilians to their homes.