The Middle East moved closer to a long-feared regional war as Iran launched missiles at Israel, prompting Israeli ground incursions into Lebanon targeting Hezbollah.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed retaliation, while Iran threatened further strikes on Israeli infrastructure. The UN Security Council called an emergency meeting to address the conflict.

Since Hamas’ attack on Israel in October, clashes between Israel and Hezbollah have escalated. UN Chief Antonio Guterres urged a cease-fire to prevent further violence.

As the situation worsens, global leaders are calling for restraint. France pledged military support to Israel, while countries like Germany and China urged de-escalation.

Evacuations, military responses, and condemnations mark a volatile region on the brink of a wider conflict, with civilian casualties mounting and tensions escalating rapidly.