Escalating Violence in Lebanon-Israel Conflict
Barja Devastated by Israeli Air Strike
Civil defence workers search for victims in the rubble of a destroyed building today after an Israeli air strike in Barja. The strike, which hit a multi-storey apartment building on a hilltop, has left a trail of destruction and death in its wake.
Hezbollah Strikes Back
Hezbollah has fired a salvo of missiles today at an Israeli military base near Ben Gurion Airport. Sirens sounded in northern and central Israel, and Israeli media reported a rocket had landed near the airport. Despite the escalation, the airport authority has stated that it is continuing to operate as usual, and Israel’s leading airline El Al has reported no damage to its planes.
Escalation in Fighting
The conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah has been ongoing for over a year, with fighting intensifying in recent weeks. Israeli troops have been conducting bombing raids on swathes of Lebanon’s south, and making ground incursions into border villages. More than 3,000 people have been killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon over the last year, with the vast majority of these deaths occurring in the past six weeks.
Barja Attack
The strike on Barja, which killed 20 people and wounded 14, is one of the deadliest single attacks in the conflict. Moussa Zahran, who lived on one of the upper floors of the building, has spoken about the devastation, saying, "These rocks that you see here weigh 100 kilos, they fell on a 13 kilo kid."
Fears of Further Escalation
Diplomatic efforts to reach a 60-day truce proposed by the US have faltered, and Lebanese are fearful that the war could escalate further. The appointment of Israel Katz as Israel’s new defence minister has raised concerns that the conflict could intensify.
Conclusion
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah shows no signs of abating, with both sides trading blows and neither side willing to back down. The international community must act to bring a resolution to this conflict, which has already claimed thousands of lives and shows no signs of slowing.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the current situation in Lebanon-Israel?
The conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah is ongoing, with both sides exchanging fire and neither side willing to back down. - How many people have been killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon?
More than 3,000 people have been killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon over the last year, with the vast majority of these deaths occurring in the past six weeks. - What is the current political situation in Lebanon?
Lebanon’s parliament speaker Nabih Berri has met with the US and Saudi ambassadors to discuss political developments, while Lebanon’s caretaker prime minister has congratulated the "president elect" in the US, without naming Donald Trump.