Israeli airstrike in Lebanon kills at least 10 civilians, sparking fears of reprisals An Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon has resulted in the deaths of at least 10 civilians, according to Lebanese officials. The strike targeted a factory in the town of Toul, which Israel claims was used by Hezbollah to store weapons. However, the mayor of Toul denied this claim, stating that the factory was used to collect steel spare parts. The strike destroyed the factory and an adjacent structure inhabited by Syrian refugees and their families, with no signs of weaponry found at the site. The death toll is one of the largest in Lebanon since the war in Gaza began, with tensions escalating following the recent killings of senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Hezbollah and Iran have vowed to retaliate more forcefully against Israel, leading to heightened tensions in the region. The Biden administration has been leading diplomatic efforts for a Gaza cease-fire, hoping to prevent further retaliation and a wider regional war. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken is scheduled to travel to Israel to facilitate talks mediated by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar. The strike in Toul resulted in the deaths of Syrian refugees, including a woman and her two children. The Israeli military stated that it is looking into the claim that civilians were harmed in the attack. In response to the strike, Hezbollah fired rockets at northern Israel, with no immediate reports of casualties. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Lebanon has seen both sides carefully calibrating their attacks to avoid a wider escalation. Hezbollah has fired rockets at northern Israel in solidarity with Hamas, while Israel has responded with bombardments that have resulted in casualties. The recent developments come as high-level talks for a Gaza cease-fire and the release of hostages held by Hamas and its allies have yet to yield a breakthrough. The fighting in Gaza continues, with Israeli airstrikes and ground troops operating in the region. The situation in Gaza has left many Palestinians displaced and trapped in an "endless nightmare," according to aid groups. The ongoing conflict has resulted in a dire humanitarian crisis, with no safe haven for those affected by the war.