Amidst the escalating tensions in West Asia, Israel has announced tighter restrictions for gatherings during the upcoming Jewish New Year, which begins on Wednesday. The Israeli military has advised citizens to avoid large gatherings, particularly in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, due to the ongoing conflict. In a statement, the Home Front Command outlined new guidelines for gatherings, limiting them to a maximum of 30 people in open spaces and 300 people within structures.
Simultaneously, the Israeli military has commenced “limited, localized, and targeted ground raids” against Iran-backed militant groups in Lebanon. This follows the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah days prior. Hezbollah spokesperson Mohammed Afif, in one of the group’s first responses to the Israeli ground invasion, dismissed the incursion as “false claims.” He asserted that Hezbollah remains prepared for “direct confrontation with enemy forces that dare to or try to enter Lebanon.”
The ongoing conflict has triggered a humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, with over a million people displaced across the country since Israel launched its airstrikes last month. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Makati described the situation as “one of the most dangerous phases” in Lebanon’s history, urging for increased international aid to assist displaced individuals. In a plea to the United Nations, Makati requested $426 million to provide essential support to Lebanese citizens affected by the crisis.
