Israel and Iran Escalate Conflict, UN Warns of Dire Humanitarian Crisis
JERUSALEM: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said today that Israel – and not the US – will decide how it will strike back after Iran fired around 200 missiles at his country earlier this month.
The comments came as a top Iranian commander, whose absence sparked rumors that he could have been killed in an Israeli strike, appeared in public for the first time in weeks.
Israel and Hezbollah Exchange Fire
Israel’s military launched several strikes on eastern Lebanon today, a day after Netanyahu vowed to "mercilessly strike Hezbollah in all parts of Lebanon – including Beirut." Multiple Israeli air strikes hit the eastern Bekaa Valley, putting a hospital in Baalbek city out of service, Lebanon’s official National News Agency (NNA) reported.
National Interest
A statement from Netanyahu’s office today took a different tone. "We listen to the opinions of the US, but we will make our final decisions based on our national interest," the statement said.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The war in Lebanon has displaced at least 690,000 people, according to verified figures last week from the International Organization for Migration. Unicef and the World Food Programme called for more funding to address "increasing" needs in Lebanon.
Entirely Unjustified
Israel says it wants to push back Hezbollah in order to secure its northern boundary and allow tens of thousands of people displaced by rocket fire since last year to return home safely. However, Israeli forces have faced criticism over injuries and damage sustained by Unifil, the United Nations peacekeeping force which has been deployed in Lebanon since 1978.
Unimagined Fear in Gaza
Meanwhile, the Israeli military has kept up its bombardment of Gaza, where it has been at war since the Hamas attack on southern Israel. The UN has described the figures as reliable, with 42,344 people killed, mostly civilians, in the conflict.
Conclusion
The conflict between Israel and Iran shows no signs of abating, with both sides exchanging fire and each other’s warnings. The humanitarian crisis in Lebanon and Gaza continues to worsen, with international organizations calling for more funding to address the growing needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current situation in the conflict between Israel and Iran?
A: The conflict between Israel and Iran is ongoing, with both sides exchanging fire and each other’s warnings.
Q: How many people have been killed in the conflict?
A: According to the UN, 42,344 people, mostly civilians, have been killed in the conflict in Gaza, while 1,315 people have been killed in Lebanon.
Q: What is the humanitarian situation like in Lebanon and Gaza?
A: The humanitarian situation in both countries is dire, with millions displaced and struggling to access basic necessities such as food and shelter.
Q: What is the UN saying about the situation?
A: The UN has expressed "strong concerns" over peacekeepers being wounded in Lebanon and has warned of a "humanitarian crisis" in both countries.