The humanitarian situation in Lebanon continues to worsen as the country faces a displacement crisis triggered by Israel’s ongoing air strikes. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Makati revealed that over a million people have been forced from their homes since the start of the conflict last month. Describing the situation as “one of the most dangerous phases” in Lebanon’s history, Makati issued a plea for increased aid to assist the displaced population.
Addressing the United Nations, the Lebanese leader launched a humanitarian appeal for $426 million, emphasizing the urgent need for basic support for the country’s citizens.
While Lebanon grapples with this internal crisis, Israel has taken a significant step by launching a “limited, localized, and targeted” ground assault against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. This action comes just six days before the anniversary of the October 7 attack.
The Israeli military, in a statement on X, explained that the ground raids were conducted based on “precise intelligence” and targeted Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure and positions near the border. The military emphasized that these targets posed an immediate threat to Israeli communities in the north. The incursion involved the 98th division, including paratroopers and commando units, though the exact number of soldiers involved was not disclosed.
Following the ground offensive, the Israeli military issued an evacuation warning to nearly two dozen Lebanese border communities. The warning, shared by the Israeli military’s Arabic spokesman on X, specified around two dozen communities in southern Lebanon and urged residents to evacuate north of the Awali River, approximately 60 kilometers (36 miles) from the border.
The escalation of the conflict, marked by the ground incursion and the recent airstrike that killed Hezbollah’s leader Hassan Nasrallah, has raised serious concerns about the potential for further violence and instability in the region. The international community is closely watching the situation and urging both sides to exercise restraint and pursue peaceful solutions.
