The intensity of confrontations on the southern borders has escalated amid the frequent Israeli attacks on Lebanese towns. Israeli warplanes carried out consecutive and intensive airstrikes targeting several towns.

In response, Hezbollah announced targeting Israeli settlements and military gatherings.

The Israeli army declared a state of alert in the border region, closed roads leading to it, and banned entry into areas adjacent to the border fence.

Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, Barbara Leaf, considered the possibility of escalation on the Lebanon-Israel border as acute. She stated that Washington warned Israel regarding its response to the attacks initiated by Hezbollah. The U.S. clarified that it utilized various channels and assisted its partners in using their channels, directly or indirectly with Hezbollah, to warn against engaging in the conflict and escalating the situation.

Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant issued a new threat, stating in response to the airstrikes, "Half of Hezbollah's officers in southern Lebanon have been eliminated, and the other half are hiding and leaving the area open for us." He indicated that they are dealing with several alternatives so that the residents of the north can return to their homes, and the upcoming period will be decisive.

Regionally, the Israeli war on Gaza entered its 201st day, amidst continuous shelling and Israeli airstrikes and artillery targeting various parts of Gaza, including homes, refugee camps, and streets.

The Israeli army announced the mobilization of two reserve brigades to carry out what it described as "defensive and tactical" missions in Gaza.

The War Council will meet tomorrow to expand the discussion on new ideas regarding the exchange deal. While the Israeli army awaits approval from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to begin the Rafah operation, the United Nations opposed launching an operation in Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip, and also rejected any coordination with Israel to evacuate civilians from the city.

Kuwait and Jordan called for a decision to immediately cease fire in Gaza and protect civilians. They emphasized the necessity of reducing tensions in the region, avoiding military escalation, and finding fair and comprehensive peaceful solutions to conflicts.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi stressed the need to stop the ongoing war, warning against any military operations in Rafah, which could have catastrophic repercussions on the humanitarian situation in the region, as well as on regional peace and security.

Internationally, U.S. President Joe Biden reaffirmed his commitment to Israel, stating that "Israel's security is of utmost importance." After signing a massive military aid package for Israel and Ukraine, including one billion dollars earmarked for humanitarian aid to Gaza, he said, "We will immediately secure this aid and increase its volume, including food, medical supplies, and clean water."

On another note, the European Union called for an independent investigation into the mass graves discovered in the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip, and Al-Shifa Hospital in the north of the Strip, following the Israeli army's withdrawal from the hospitals.

In Russia, President Vladimir Putin affirmed that Moscow is ready to work on forming a multipolar global system and enhancing global security with all interested parties.

Economically, the International Monetary Fund announced the opening of a new regional office in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, in an effort to strengthen partnerships with governments and institutions in the Middle East and other regions.