The Israel-Hezbollah conflict has taken a dangerous turn, with Israel launching airstrikes targeting dozens of Hezbollah positions in Lebanon. The military operation, which took place over the weekend, resulted in a significant increase in casualties, with the death toll now exceeding 700.
One of the most significant developments in the conflict was the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. His death, confirmed by Hezbollah on Saturday, has drawn strong reactions from both sides. U.S. President Joe Biden justified the killing, calling it a “measure of justice” for victims of Nasrallah’s “reign of terror” spanning four decades. In response to Nasrallah’s death, Israel also terminated Hassan Khalil Yassin, a senior Hezbollah intelligence member. Israeli forces carried out a targeted operation in the Dahieh district of Beirut, eliminating Yassin.
Amid the escalating violence, international calls for a ceasefire are growing. The United Kingdom urged an immediate halt to the fighting, with Foreign Secretary David Lammy expressing concerns over the escalating bloodshed. He spoke with Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati, emphasizing the urgent need for a diplomatic solution to restore peace and stability to the region.
Israel has also issued a warning to Iran, the country widely believed to be backing Hezbollah. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that those who target Israel will face consequences and that no location in Iran or the Middle East is beyond “Israel’s reach”.
The conflict has also had a devastating impact on Lebanon. According to the latest update from Lebanon’s Health Ministry, 33 people have been killed and 195 have been wounded as a result of the Israeli airstrikes.
The situation remains tense, with both sides showing no signs of backing down. The death of Nasrallah has further fueled the conflict, raising fears of further escalation and potential regional instability.
