Israel and Hezbollah exchange heavy fire in major escalation | BBC News

Israel has said it carried out a wave of pre-emptive strikes across southern Lebanon to thwart a large-scale rocket and drone attack by Hezbollah.

Hezbollah said it had still managed to fire 320 rockets and drones at Israel in retaliation for the assassination of a senior commander. According to Israel's military, one Israeli navy soldier was killed.

The US says it is working to avoid any further escalation after 10 months of hostilities that have raised fears of an all-out war.

There was no breakthrough at the latest round of US-backed Gaza peace talks in Cairo.

Before leaving, Hamas said it rejected new Israeli conditions and accused Israel of backtracking on promises. Israel denies changing its demands since a last round of talks in early July.

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