“The Israeli enemy targeted a car as it passed through the Awali checkpoint in Sidon,” the Lebanese army said. This led to the death of three inmates. The injured are four Malaysian UNIFIL soldiers and three Lebanese soldiers.
Austrian UN soldiers were also in the convoy but were not injured, the Ministry of Defense told the APA upon request. At the end of October, eight soldiers from the Federal Army were slightly injured by rocket fire at the UNIFIL Camp Naqoura in Lebanon. According to UNIFIL, the rocket was “probably” fired by the Lebanese Hezbollah militia “or a group affiliated with it.” The federal government strongly condemned the incident.
10,000 soldiers stationed in Lebanon
The UNIFIL peacekeeping force has been stationed in Lebanon since 1978 and includes around 10,000 soldiers and civilians. The European countries most heavily involved include Italy with a good 1,000 soldiers, Spain with around 680 and France with 670. Austria is involved in the mission with around 160 soldiers.
Meanwhile, the Lebanese Hezbollah militia again fired dozens of rockets into northern Israel. By early evening, the Israeli army said it had registered around 120 projectiles from the neighboring country. There were rocket alarms in the coastal city of Haifa, among other places. Hezbollah claimed several attacks on the area of the port city as well as further attacks on the north of Israel.
The Israeli rescue service Magen David Adom said it treated an 85-year-old injured by shrapnel after shelling from the neighboring country. There were also reports of property damage after impacts in the greater Haifa area.
60 Hezbollah members killed
Despite new Israeli air strikes not far from the airport in the Lebanese capital Beirut, planes continue to land and take off there. Acting Transport Minister Ali Hamiya said operations will continue as normal. Videos circulated on social media showing explosions within sight of the airport premises. Israel’s army had asked people in neighboring neighborhoods to evacuate before the attacks.
Israel’s army said around 60 Hezbollah members were killed in attacks in the Bekaa Valley in the east. The Israeli military also reported the bombing of a Hezbollah command center in the area of the city of Tire in the south of the country. In addition, Israel’s air force attacked weapons depots and militia launch pads in the neighboring country over the course of the day. The information cannot be independently verified.
Hezbollah, which is allied with Iran, has been shelling Israel since the Gaza war began more than a year ago. Israel responded with massive air strikes and a ground offensive.
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**Interview with Middle East Analyst Dr. Sarah El-Amin on Recent Developments Involving Hezbollah**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. El-Amin. There has been a significant increase in hostilities involving Hezbollah lately, particularly with recent rocket fire into northern Israel and Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon. Can you provide us with some context?
**Dr. El-Amin:** Absolutely. The ongoing conflict in the region has escalated notably since the onset of the Gaza war more than a year ago. Hezbollah, which has been a staunch ally of Iran, has ramped up its military activities, including launching hundreds of rockets toward Israel. This response is partly tied to the broader geopolitical situation, where regional actors are involving themselves in the ongoing conflicts.
**Interviewer:** Recently, news broke that three individuals were killed after an Israeli strike, and there were injuries to UNIFIL troops as well. How do you view the role of UNIFIL in this context?
**Dr. El-Amin:** UNIFIL has been deployed in Lebanon since 1978 to ensure peace and stability along the border with Israel. However, as we see increased violence, the effectiveness of UNIFIL is being challenged. The casualties among their personnel, including those from Malaysia, emphasize the perilous environment they operate in. These events may push the UN to reassess its operational strategies and presence there.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the impact of Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah. Reports indicate around 60 Hezbollah members have been killed recently. How significant is this loss for the group?
**Dr. El-Amin:** The loss of 60 members is substantial for Hezbollah, considering its conventional tactics and the reliance on a highly trained cadre of fighters. While Hezbollah may be able to replenish its ranks, the death of experienced operatives could impact their operational capabilities in the short term. This also reflects the intensity of the conflict and Israel’s continued commitment to countering Hezbollah’s military infrastructure.
**Interviewer:** Given Hezbollah’s ongoing shelling of northern Israel and the violence at the Awali checkpoint, how do you see the situation evolving in the coming weeks?
**Dr. El-Amin:** I fear we may see further escalation. The situation is precarious. Hostilities on both sides appear entrenched, with no immediate diplomatic solution in sight. As Israel continues its retaliatory strikes, Hezbollah is likely to respond with increased rocket fire, which can lead to a cycle of violence. Regional powers and international actors must weigh in to de-escalate tensions before the situation deteriorates further.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. El-Amin, for your insights on this complex and evolving situation.
**Dr. El-Amin:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial for us to keep a close eye on these developments.
