Photo credit: globalnews.ca
Escalating Tensions: Israel Strikes Lebanon Following Rocket Fire
In a significant escalation of hostilities, Israel conducted airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Saturday after rockets were fired into its territory, resulting in the deaths of two individuals, including a child. This incident marks the most intense exchange of fire since a ceasefire was established with the Lebanese militant organization Hezbollah.
Earlier on the same day, rockets were launched from Lebanon towards Israel for the second time since December, raising fresh concerns about the sustainability of the fragile ceasefire. In response, Hezbollah denied any involvement in the rocket attack, emphasizing its commitment to the truce and accusing Israel of using the incident as a pretext for further military action.
Israeli officials declared their intention to retaliate “severely” against the initial rocket attack that targeted the northern Israeli town of Metula. Following the strikes, Lebanon’s health ministry reported that the assault on the southern village of Touline resulted in injuries to eight additional individuals.
Conflict between Hezbollah and Israel reignited dramatically after Hamas launched an attack from Gaza on October 7, 2023. Following this, a broader confrontation unfolded, with Israel conducting extensive airstrikes in Lebanon and causing significant casualties, including the deaths of over 4,000 individuals and displacement of approximately 60,000 Israelis.
As part of a ceasefire agreement reached in November, Israeli forces were expected to withdraw from Lebanese territory by late January, a deadline that was subsequently extended to February 18. However, reports indicate that Israeli troops have maintained a presence in several key locations across Lebanon and have executed numerous airstrikes targeting Hezbollah forces.
As tensions continue, Lebanon’s government has sought assistance from the United Nations, urging it to exert pressure on Israel for a complete withdrawal from Lebanese soil.
In an official statement, Israel’s Prime Minister’s office noted that military operations would focus on numerous targets in Lebanon, asserting that the country would not tolerate any threats to its sovereignty or citizens.
Moreover, a Hezbollah official stated that the group was not accountable for the latest attack, referring to it as “primitive,” and requested anonymity due to restrictions on public statements. In parallel, Lebanon’s Prime Minister, Nawaf Salam, directed the Lebanese military to take necessary precautions without escalating the situation into full-blown conflict.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) expressed alarm over the potential for further violence and urged all parties to consider the detrimental implications of escalating hostilities on regional stability.
Continued Military Actions in Gaza
On a related front, Israeli military operations in Gaza remain relentless. The day prior, Israel communicated plans to escalate its military actions until Hamas releases the 59 hostages it currently holds, of which 24 are believed to be alive. Reports from Al-Ahly Hospital indicated that Israeli airstrikes killed at least nine people, including three children, in Gaza City late Friday.
In a concerning development, Israel reportedly targeted the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital, accusing Hamas of using the facility for militant activities. This has sparked outrage, particularly among supporters of the hospital who have noted its humanitarian significance.
Since the resurgence of hostilities earlier this week, the Gaza Health Ministry claims that around 600 Palestinians have been killed, a situation exacerbated by Israel’s blockade of essential supplies aimed at pressuring Hamas during negotiations for a ceasefire.
The international community has voiced strong criticisms of Israel’s return to military actions. A joint statement from the foreign ministers of the United Kingdom, France, and Germany described the strikes as a “dramatic step backward” and called urgently for a resumption of ceasefire efforts.
Amid the backdrop of violence, it is reported that the attack by Hamas-led militants in October 2023 resulted in about 1,200 fatalities and a hostage crisis involving 251 individuals. A portion of these hostages has been released through ceasefire negotiations or other means, while Israeli forces have managed to rescue eight living hostages and recover bodies of several others.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, Israel’s ongoing military campaign has claimed the lives of more than 49,000 Palestinians, with the organization estimating that a significant proportion of those killed were women and children. In contrast, Israel claims to have eliminated around 20,000 militants, although no evidence has been presented to substantiate this figure.
Source
globalnews.ca