Escalating Conflict Displaces Thousands in Lebanon
Tens of thousands of Lebanese have been displaced from their homes due to the violent Israeli bombardment, with the number of displaced people now approaching half a million. Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib revealed this alarming figure during an event organized by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in New York, coinciding with his participation in the United Nations General Assembly meetings. Prior to the recent escalation, about 110,000 people were already displaced, but the ongoing conflict has exacerbated the situation significantly.
Bou Habib expressed his disappointment with US President Joe Biden's remarks regarding the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, stating that his speech lacked the strength and promise needed to effectively address the crisis. He emphasized that the United States is uniquely positioned to influence the situation in the Middle East and expressed hope for Washington's intervention to help alleviate the suffering in Lebanon.
Biden's Call for Diplomacy Amidst Violence
In his address to the UN General Assembly, President Biden sought to calm rising tensions, asserting that an all-out war would not benefit anyone and that a diplomatic solution remains possible. However, Bou Habib criticized the Israeli government for not pursuing a serious negotiation to end the fighting, suggesting that their focus is on achieving military victory rather than finding a peaceful resolution.
Since the onset of the recent violence on Monday, Israeli forces have conducted extensive raids across various regions of Lebanon, marking the largest escalation in the ongoing confrontation with Hezbollah over the past year. The Israeli bombardments have resulted in 558 deaths, 1,835 injuries, and a significant increase in displacement.
Hezbollah's Retaliation and Ongoing Violence
In retaliation, Hezbollah has launched rocket barrages targeting Israeli military bases, airports, and several areas, including Galilee, Safed, and Haifa. This response has led to material and human losses on the Israeli side, further intensifying the conflict and contributing to the outbreak of fires in affected regions. The cycle of violence continues to escalate, leaving the situation in Lebanon increasingly dire as both sides engage in hostilities.
As the conflict unfolds, the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon deepens, with international calls for intervention and support growing ever more urgent.
