The conflict in the Middle East took a dramatic turn on Sunday as Israel carried out a series of air strikes in both Lebanon and Yemen, resulting in a significant loss of life. The strikes were a direct response to attacks launched by Hezbollah in Lebanon and Houthi militants in Yemen, marking a dangerous escalation in the regional conflict.
In Lebanon, Israeli strikes killed nearly 50 people, according to the Lebanese health ministry. The most devastating attack occurred near the southern city of Sidon, where 24 were killed and 29 injured. Another strike in the Baalbek-Hemel area of eastern Lebanon killed 21 and injured 47, while four more perished in a raid targeting Joub Jenin in the Bekaa area.
These attacks came just days after an Israeli airstrike on Beirut’s densely populated southern suburbs on Friday, which tragically killed Hassan Nasrallah, the head of Lebanon’s Hezbollah group. Nasrallah’s death, a significant blow to Hezbollah, further fueled tensions in the region, leading to an increase in cross-border fire between Hezbollah and Israel.
Meanwhile, Israel also launched strikes at Houthi targets in Yemen, targeting power plants and a seaport at the Ras Issa and Hodeidah ports. The strikes, carried out by dozens of aircraft, caused power outages in most of Hodeidah.
The Israeli military justified the attacks in Yemen, stating that the Houthis have been operating under the direction and funding of Iran, collaborating with Iraqi militias to attack Israel, undermine regional stability, and disrupt global freedom of navigation.
The Houthi militants in Yemen have been engaged in a long-running conflict with the Saudi-led coalition, but have also been increasingly involved in the conflict with Israel, launching missiles and drones at the country. This act of solidarity with Palestinians comes in the wake of the ongoing Gaza war, which began with a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7th.
Just days before the strikes, the Houthis launched a ballistic missile towards Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv on Saturday, which Israel claimed to have intercepted. A similar incident occurred on Friday when Israel intercepted another Houthi missile.
The Houthi movement, which shares a close alliance with Hezbollah in the Iran-backed coalition opposing Israel, expressed grief over the death of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.
The escalating violence between Israel and its adversaries in Lebanon and Yemen raises serious concerns about regional stability and underscores the complex and dangerous dynamics at play in the Middle East.
