The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has reached a critical point, with the situation in Lebanon deteriorating rapidly. Israel’s military campaign, aimed at dismantling Hezbollah’s infrastructure and countering the Iran-backed militant group, has resulted in a massive displacement crisis. The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) has reported that Israel’s latest evacuation orders, encompassing 20 villages in southern Lebanon, affect more than a quarter of the country’s population.
The UNHCR’s Middle East director, Rema Jamous Imseis, expressed concern about the dire situation, stating that people are fleeing their homes with minimal possessions due to the evacuation orders. The Israeli strikes have tragically resulted in the deaths of at least 2,309 individuals in Lebanon over the past year, with over 1.2 million displaced, according to the Lebanese government. While the exact number of civilian casualties remains unclear, the majority of fatalities have occurred since Israel intensified its military campaign in late September.
Israel has also suffered casualties, with approximately 50 Israelis, including soldiers and civilians, losing their lives. The Israeli government justifies its actions by stating that its operations in Lebanon aim to facilitate the return of tens of thousands of residents who fled northern Israel due to Hezbollah attacks. However, the escalation of the conflict has raised concerns about the potential for a wider regional war.
On Monday, Israel intensified its bombing campaign in Lebanon, targeting a house in northern Lebanon where displaced individuals had sought refuge. The airstrike resulted in at least 22 deaths, including 12 women and two children, according to the U.N. human rights office. This incident has sparked international condemnation and calls for an investigation into potential violations of the laws of war.
The conflict has also impacted UN peacekeeping forces in the region. Israeli fire has struck UN peacekeeping bases on multiple occasions, injuring peacekeepers. The UN Security Council has expressed strong concern over the incidents and called for an end to the violence.
The mass displacement in Lebanon has revived fears of sectarian strife. Lebanon’s diverse population, comprised of over a dozen religious sects, has a history of political divisions based on sectarian lines. The 1975-1990 civil war, which killed an estimated 150,000 people, serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of escalating sectarian tensions.
The United States has continued to support Israel throughout the conflict, despite concerns over civilian casualties. The Pentagon announced that components for an advanced anti-missile system arrived in Israel on Monday, signifying the US’s commitment to bolstering Israel’s defense capabilities.
While the conflict continues, international efforts to mediate a ceasefire have intensified. Qatar, the US, and Egypt have repeatedly attempted to broker a resolution to the Gaza war, which began a year ago. However, the escalation in Lebanon has further complicated the situation and raised the stakes for all parties involved.