Violence flares in Mideast, war being waged across multiple fronts

Israel has stepped up its attacks in Gaza and the West Bank while seemingly provoking Hezbollah to an all-out war in Lebanon.

In Gaza at least forty Palestinians were killed and 58 others wounded during the latest 24-hour reporting period, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.

The rapid escalation of hostilities comes against increasing calls internationally to tone things down, and agree on a cease