Israel Conducts Strikes in Lebanon, Ignoring Calls for Ceasefire
Violence Continues in Lebanon
Israel conducted strikes targeting Hezbollah’s main bastion and a city in southern Lebanon where the militant group holds sway on Wednesday, following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s dismissal of calls for a ceasefire.
South Beirut Under Fire
The strike on south Beirut, the militant group’s main stronghold, was the first in several days of calm in the area, after an intense period of bombardment earlier in the Israel-Hezbollah war. Israel’s army said its warplanes struck dozens of Hezbollah targets in the southern city of Nabatiyeh, where the Lebanese group and its ally Amal hold sway.
Casualties Reported
The Lebanese health ministry said six people were killed and 43 injured in the strikes on two municipal buildings in Nabatiyeh, with rescuers searching through the rubble for survivors. The mayor was among the dead, a local official told AFP, saying that the strikes "formed a kind of belt of fire" in the area.
UN Slams Strikes, Lebanon Condemns Israel’s Actions
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the attack, stating that Israel "deliberately targeted a meeting of the municipal council that was discussing the city’s services and relief situation". In response to the Nabatiyeh strikes, UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert said that "civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected at all times".
Hezbollah Fires Back
Also on Wednesday, Hezbollah said it had targeted an Israeli army tank with a guided missile near a border village. The militant group has vowed to continue its missile strikes against Israel.
US Criticizes Israel’s Actions
The US government, Israel’s top arms supplier, has criticized Israel’s air strikes in Lebanon. "We have made clear that we are opposed to the campaign the way we’ve seen it conducted over the past weeks" in Beirut, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said on Tuesday.
War in Gaza
The Israel-Hezbollah war has left at least 1,356 people dead in Lebanon, according to an AFP tally of Lebanese health ministry figures, with the real toll likely higher. The war has displaced at least 690,000 people, according to figures from the International Organization for Migration.
No Ceasefire in Sight
Netanyahu has dismissed calls for a ceasefire, insisting that Israel must have a buffer zone along the border with Lebanon where there are no Hezbollah fighters. On Tuesday, Hezbollah’s deputy leader Naim Qassem said the only solution was a ceasefire, while threatening to expand the scope of its missile strikes across Israel.
Iran’s Response
Israel is also weighing its response to Iran’s launch of around 200 missiles at the country on October 1. Iran’s top diplomat, Abbas Araghchi, warned UN chief Antonio Guterres that Tehran was ready for a "decisive and regretful" response should Israel attack its country.
Conclusion
The violence in Lebanon shows no signs of abating, with both sides stuck in a cycle of escalation and retaliation. The international community has called for a ceasefire, but Israel and Hezbollah remain at odds over the terms of a potential agreement. The war has devastating consequences for the people of Lebanon and Gaza, with thousands displaced and hundreds of civilians killed or injured.
FAQs
- What is the current situation in Lebanon?
The situation in Lebanon is volatile, with Israel and Hezbollah engaged in a war that has led to the deaths of at least 1,356 people and the displacement of 690,000. - What is the US position on the conflict?
The US government has criticized Israel’s air strikes in Lebanon, saying that they are opposed to the campaign in its current form. - What is the situation in Gaza?
The situation in Gaza is also dire, with a humanitarian crisis unfolding as a result of Israel’s military campaign. At least 42,409 people, mostly civilians, have been killed in the conflict. - What is Iran’s position on the conflict?
Iran has launched around 200 missiles at Israel in response to the country’s actions in Lebanon and Gaza. It has warned that it is ready to take further action if Israel attacks its country.