Dozens of Israeli warplanes carried out intense bombardments on Saturday against southern Lebanon, a stronghold of Hezbollah, a day after an Israeli strike that decapitated the elite unit of the Lebanese movement and left a total of 37 dead.
This escalation, which raises fears of a full-scale war, has prompted Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati to cancel his trip to the UN in New York, calling for “an end to the terrible Israeli massacres.”
Hezbollah, a powerful political and military player in Lebanon, opened a front with neighboring Israel in “support” of Hamas, its ally, the day after the start of the war in Gaza triggered by an attack by the Palestinian Islamist movement on October 7, 2023.
This war is not letting up, with the Civil Defense announcing on Saturday the death of 21 people in an Israeli bombing of a school sheltering thousands of displaced people.
Middle East: Hezbollah leader raises his voice against Israel but avoids confrontation
Hamas and Hezbollah, Israel’s Two Enemies
Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas in Gaza and has in recent weeks stepped up strikes and threats against Hezbollah, whose rocket attacks on northern Israel, even if the vast majority are intercepted, have forced tens of thousands of residents to flee.
Maintaining military pressure, the Israeli army announced in the evening that it had “launched a large-scale attack in southern Lebanon after identifying Hezbollah’s preparations to fire” on Israel. “Dozens of planes” are involved in the operation, it said.
Clashes on the border between Israel and Lebanon have intensified in recent days. – Reuters.
Earlier, it announced that it had targeted in the same area “thousands of launch pads” for rockets “ready to be used” to fire against Israel.
The Lebanese movement said it had fired dozens of rockets at military positions in northern Israel. “Around 90,” according to Israel. The rockets’ fall caused fires and damage.
Israeli authorities heavily bombed southern Lebanon on Saturday. – Reuters.
Israeli authorities heavily bombed southern Lebanon on Saturday. – AFP.
Israel and the temptation of regional war
“Bombed” Pagers and Walkie-Talkies
This week, Hezbollah, a movement financed and armed by Iran, Israel’s sworn enemy, has been the target of spectacular attacks.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, transmission devices – pagers, walkie-talkies – used by Hezbollah members exploded in the southern suburbs of Beirut as well as in southern and eastern Lebanon, Hezbollah strongholds. The toll: 39 dead and 2,931 injured, according to Lebanese authorities.
Hezbollah and Lebanese authorities blamed Israel, which has not commented.
IEDs: Why is Israel attacking Hezbollah now?
The use of “booby-trapped” devices that appear to be “harmless” objects could constitute a “war crime,” the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has denounced.
On Friday, Israel claimed responsibility for a strike on the southern suburbs of Beirut that left at least 37 dead, Hezbollah commanders as well as civilians including women and three children, according to Lebanese authorities.
The strike left a huge crater and flattened a building in a densely populated area.
According to a source close to Hezbollah, it targeted a meeting of the command of the Radwan unit, the movement’s elite force, in the basement of a building, killing 16 members. Among them were Ibrahim Aqil, the head of the unit, and Ahmed Mahmoud Wahbi, who was in charge of military operations until the beginning of this year.
Massive pager attack targeting Hezbollah: a new step towards regional war?
Casualties and Humanitarian Impact of the Conflict
The continued bombardment and retaliatory strikes have resulted in significant casualties and a humanitarian crisis in the region. Recent reports indicate:
| Incident | Casualties | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Israeli Airstrike in Southern Lebanon | 37 killed, numerous injured | October 14, 2023 |
| Rocket Attacks by Hezbollah | 90+ rockets fired | October 14, 2023 |
| Pager Explosions in Hezbollah Strongholds | 39 killed, 2,931 injured | October 11-12, 2023 |
With over 2,900 injuries reported in the latest explosions, the healthcare system is under extreme pressure. Many hospitals are struggling to accommodate patients, and emergency resources are critically low.
International Reactions and Future Implications
The international community is keeping a close eye on the situation as tensions escalate in the Middle East. The United Nations has called for immediate ceasefire talks, while countries across the globe are urging both sides to exercise restraint.
Experts believe that failure to de-escalate the situation could lead to a wider conflict, impacting the entire region. The involvement of external actors, such as Iran and the U.S., adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing dynamics.
Practical Tips for Individuals in Affected Areas
For those living in areas affected by the conflict, here are some practical tips to stay safe:
- Always be aware of your surroundings and stay updated on local news.
- Have an emergency kit ready that includes food, water, medications, and important documents.
- Follow guidelines provided by local authorities regarding evacuation or shelter protocol.
- Maintain communication with family and friends, and ensure they know your whereabouts.
Case Study: The Lebanese Response to Israeli Attacks
The Lebanese government has faced criticism for its inability to protect its citizens amid ongoing attacks. In response to recent escalations, the Prime Minister has called for international support and has sought to organize emergency meetings with national security forces to develop a cohesive strategy against the Israeli strikes.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah continues to rally public support by framing the conflict as a fight for sovereignty and resistance against foreign aggression.