Le Monde Condemns Israel's Actions in Lebanon Amid Ongoing Conflict
In a powerful editorial, Le Monde has criticized Israel's military actions in Lebanon, describing them as a "cowardly abandonment" of the country as violence escalates. The newspaper highlights that Israel's justification for airstrikes—targeting Hezbollah leaders—has resulted in severe collateral damage, including the deaths of civilians and peacekeeping forces. This situation raises serious concerns about the collapse of international humanitarian law in the region.
The editorial acknowledges Israel's right to defend itself following missile attacks from Hezbollah, which were launched in solidarity with Hamas in Gaza. However, it emphasizes that the majority of Lebanese citizens did not support these actions, leading to a humanitarian crisis that has displaced thousands of Israelis and exacerbated the plight of over one million displaced persons in southern Lebanon. These individuals are currently enduring dire living conditions in a country facing political paralysis and economic exhaustion.
Le Monde calls for an immediate ceasefire to allow displaced individuals to return home, stressing that their rights are as significant as those of the Israelis. Despite this, the editorial suggests that Israeli authorities show little interest in de-escalation, while Washington appears more focused on leveraging the conflict for geopolitical gains, as noted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's alarming statements about turning Lebanon into a battlefield akin to Gaza.
The newspaper concludes by questioning Israel's unchecked military actions, which continue to threaten stability in Lebanon and the broader region, highlighting a troubling trend of impunity and aggression that has persisted for years.
