Israel and Hezbollah engaged in intense conflict on Thursday, continuing their hostilities despite indications of progress in U.S. efforts to broker a ceasefire. Airstrikes targeted the southern suburbs of Beirut, while rockets were launched into northern Israel.

U.S. mediator Amos Hochstein was in Israel for discussions with officials, expressing optimism that a ceasefire was “within our grasp” following his earlier visit to Beirut.

This diplomatic initiative represents the most significant effort to resolve the ongoing conflict between Israel and the heavily armed, Iran-supported Hezbollah, which has emerged as part of the broader regional fallout from the Gaza war that began over a year ago.

In southern Lebanon, an Israeli airstrike resulted in the deaths of three individuals in the village of Chaaitiyeh, located approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the border, according to the Lebanese health ministry.

In Israel, a 30-year-old man lost his life when shrapnel from a rocket hit a playground in the northern town of Nahariya, as reported by Israel’s MDA medical service.

“The Israeli government is failing to protect my security, the security of my residents, and those in northern Israel. Living under these conditions is untenable,” stated Nahariya Mayor Ronen Marelly during an interview with public broadcaster Kan.

The Israeli military reported that around 10 rockets were fired from Lebanon towards Nahariya, noting that most were intercepted and fallen projectiles were accounted for in their statement.

Three rockets struck the coastal town, according to Channel 12.

Hezbollah’s al-Manar television, referencing its correspondent, confirmed that rockets were fired towards Nahariya and its vicinity. Airstrikes targeting Hezbollah-controlled areas in southern Beirut rattled the capital, creating large clouds of debris.

The Israeli military issued a warning on X prior to the strikes, alerting residents that they were near Hezbollah targets that would soon be engaged. Since Israel intensified its military actions in September, many residents have evacuated the area.

White House envoy Hochstein traveled to Israel after reporting progress from two days of discussions in Lebanon with officials, including Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, who was appointed to negotiate by the Iran-aligned Hezbollah. Before departing Beirut, Hochstein expressed his intention to reach an agreement in Israel if feasible.

This diplomatic effort seeks to resolve a conflict that has caused extensive destruction in Lebanon since Israel commenced its offensive, which has included widespread airstrikes and troop deployments throughout the country. Al Jazeera aired footage showing thick smoke billowing from Khiyam in southern Lebanon, located approximately 6 km (4 miles) from the border, a key site of ground confrontations between Hezbollah and Israeli forces.

Israel’s objective is to facilitate the return of tens of thousands of individuals who were evacuated from the north due to Hezbollah’s rocket attacks, which began in solidarity with Hamas at the onset of the Gaza conflict in October 2023.

Despite suffering significant losses since the onset of Israel’s offensive in September, Hezbollah has continued to launch rockets into Israel, including an attack on Tel Aviv this week. Its fighters are engaged in ground combat with Israeli troops in the southern region.

According to the Lebanese health ministry, the death toll since October 2023 has reached 3,558 in Lebanon, with the majority of casualties occurring during the Israeli offensive that began in September. The reported figures do not differentiate between combatants and civilians, with 14 fatalities noted on Tuesday.