Hezbollah and Israel: An Escalating Conflict
The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has intensified, with both sides issuing threats and engaging in cross-border attacks. On June 19, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah declared that Israel must prepare for attacks by land, air, and sea. Nasrallah emphasized that if war is imposed on Lebanon, Hezbollah would fight without restraint, conditioning the cessation of their attacks on the end of Israeli operations in Gaza. That same day, Hezbollah fired dozens of Katyusha rockets and shells towards northern Israel in retaliation for Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon that killed four of its fighters.
The situation remains volatile, with daily exchanges of fire along the Lebanon-Israel border. Since the conflict's escalation on October 7, at least 478 people have died in Lebanon, including 312 Hezbollah fighters and 93 civilians. On the Israeli side, 15 soldiers and 11 civilians have been killed. Israel's military has approved operational plans for an offensive in Lebanon, further fueling fears of a larger-scale conflict.
International Reactions and Calls for De-escalation
The international community has expressed concern over the escalating violence. The United Nations has condemned Israel's conduct of war, accusing it of violating the laws of war by failing to minimize civilian harm. The UN report highlighted the extensive use of explosive weapons in densely populated areas, potentially constituting crimes against humanity.
The United States has called for urgent de-escalation, with US envoy Amos Hochstein visiting Beirut to stress the need to avoid a major war. The US State Department has also warned against further escalation in the north, urging a diplomatic resolution to the conflict. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces internal pressure, with protests demanding new elections and a resolution to the hostilities. Netanyahu has dissolved his war cabinet, opting to discuss critical decisions in smaller forums.
- The conflict has also seen Hezbollah issuing threats beyond Israel. Nasrallah warned Cyprus against allowing Israel to use its airports and bases in the event of war, indicating a potential expansion of the conflict.
- In the Gaza Strip, the Israeli military continues its operations, with reports of significant casualties. Palestinian sources claim that 37,372 people have been killed since the conflict began, though this number includes both civilians and combatants. The United Nations has reported serious environmental damage in Gaza, with the destruction of sewage infrastructure and contamination of soil, water, and air.
- The ongoing conflict has not only caused human casualties but also significant environmental and infrastructural damage, affecting the health and livelihood of people in the region. The international community continues to call for a resolution to the conflict to prevent further loss and devastation.
