IRIA News

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Israel has launched fresh airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon on September 24, 2024. The strikes come amid a series of retaliatory rocket attacks from Hezbollah, further fueling fears that the region may be on the brink of a broader conflict that could engulf the entire Middle East.

The latest developments have raised alarm across the international community, with world leaders calling for urgent de-escalation. As Israel’s military shifts its focus from Gaza to its northern front, the prospect of an all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah looms large.

Israeli military forces confirmed hitting dozens of Hezbollah targets overnight, following a massive wave of airstrikes that have reportedly killed over 550 Lebanese civilians. Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee provided details of the recent operations, stating on a social media platform that “warplanes bombed Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, including missile launchers, military buildings, and buildings where weapons were stored.”

The Israeli military chief, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, underscored the need for continued action, saying, “The situation requires continued, intense action in all arenas,” after assessing the ongoing conflict. Israel has been increasingly concerned about Hezbollah’s activities on its northern border, where the Iran-backed group has been firing rockets in support of Hamas, which Israel has been battling in Gaza for nearly a year.

Hezbollah, known for its sophisticated military capabilities and close ties with Iran, responded with retaliatory strikes against Israeli targets, including several military installations. The group claimed responsibility for bombing the logistical warehouses of Israel’s 146th Division at the Naftali military base, as well as targeting the Megiddo airfield and an explosives factory.

Despite Israel’s advanced missile defense systems, Hezbollah’s rocket attacks have managed to reach deep into Israeli territory, including northern cities such as Haifa and Afula. While many of the rockets were intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome, the growing frequency and intensity of the strikes are raising concerns that Hezbollah is prepared for a prolonged confrontation.

Humanitarian crisis

The humanitarian crisis in Lebanon is worsening by the day. Lebanese health authorities reported that the latest airstrikes alone resulted in 558 deaths, including 50 children and 94 women. Hospitals are overwhelmed with the wounded, as over 1,800 people have been injured, stretching Lebanon’s already fragile healthcare system to its limits.

Speaking at a press conference in Beirut, Lebanon’s Health Minister Firass Abiad described the dire conditions facing hospitals across the country. “Fifty-four hospitals are now treating patients, and many are struggling to cope with the sheer number of casualties,” he said, calling for urgent international assistance.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has echoed these concerns, warning that the country’s healthcare infrastructure is on the verge of collapse. Meanwhile, the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) reported that tens of thousands of people have already been displaced, with those numbers expected to climb rapidly as the conflict continues.

Global reactions

The escalation of violence has triggered a wave of international concern, with leaders across the globe urging both sides to pull back from the brink of all-out war. White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan emphasized the need for diplomacy, stating, “I believe that we can still find a path forward to get de-escalation between Israel and across that northern border between Israel and Lebanon and bring about a diplomatic solution.”

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep alarm over the rising civilian casualties, particularly in southern Lebanon and northern Israel. “I am gravely alarmed by the escalating situation along the Blue Line,” he said, referring to the UN-demarcated boundary between Lebanon and Israel.

The situation in Gaza is a non-stop nightmare that threatens to take the entire region with it.

Lebanon is at the brink.

The people of Lebanon, the people of Israel and the people of the world cannot afford Lebanon to become another Gaza.

— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) September 24, 2024

Russia, a key power broker in the region, warned that Israel’s strikes on Lebanon could destabilize the broader Middle East. “The Israeli airstrikes have the potential to destabilize the entire region, including key oil-producing countries,” Russian officials said, urging both sides to exercise restraint.

Wider regional conflict

The escalating violence has sparked concerns that other regional powers, particularly Iran, could be drawn into the conflict. Iran has long supported Hezbollah, supplying the group with advanced weaponry and financial backing. Tehran’s leadership has warned that the conflict could have far-reaching consequences if it continues to spiral.

Masoud Pezeshkian, a senior Iranian official, accused Israel of deliberately provoking a larger war. “We want to live in peace, we don’t want war,” he said. “It is Israel that seeks to create this all-out conflict.”

Pezeshkian also cautioned against allowing Lebanon to suffer the same fate as Gaza. “We must not allow for Lebanon to become another Gaza at the hands of Israel,” he stated, underscoring Iran’s support for Hezbollah’s resistance.

The ongoing conflict is having devastating effects on Lebanon’s already fragile infrastructure. Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport, the country’s primary hub for international travel, has seen numerous flight cancellations. More than 30 flights were grounded on Tuesday alone, as airlines cited safety concerns due to the escalating violence.

Calls for de-escalation

Amid the worsening violence, the international community is stepping up its calls for de-escalation. The Group of Seven (G7) countries issued a joint statement calling for an immediate ceasefire, warning that continued hostilities could trigger a broader conflict with “unimaginable consequences.” The statement stressed the need for all parties to take steps toward de-escalation and diplomacy.

Similarly, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, cautioned that the region is now “almost in a full-fledged war.” He urged all actors involved to prioritize diplomatic efforts and prevent further loss of life. “We must do everything in our power to stop this dangerous spiral of violence,” Borrell said.

The death toll of Israeli strikes in Lebanon is alarming. The latest figures say over 500 casualties, with 50 children among the victims.

The Security Council has to play its role. We urgently need to halt the path to war. Both sides need to implement an immediate ceasefire.

— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) September 24, 2024

The United States, Israel’s closest ally, has expressed strong support for Israel’s right to defend itself but is also working behind the scenes to prevent the conflict from spreading. President Joe Biden has called for restraint and indicated that his administration is engaging in diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.

US deploys additional military in Middle East

In response to the rising tensions, the Pentagon has deployed additional U.S. military personnel to the Middle East. While the exact number of troops has not been disclosed, Pentagon spokesperson Patrick Ryder said that the deployment is intended to bolster U.S. forces in the region and protect American interests. “In light of increased tension in the Middle East and out of an abundance of caution, we are sending a small number of additional U.S. military personnel forward,” Ryder said.

The U.S. already has a significant military presence in the region, with approximately 40,000 soldiers stationed across various bases in the Middle East.

As the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalates, the risk of a broader regional war grows ever more real. While diplomatic efforts are underway, the intensity of the fighting and the entrenched positions of both sides suggest that a peaceful resolution may be difficult to achieve soon.

The humanitarian toll in Lebanon continues to rise, with hundreds of civilians killed and thousands displaced. The international community is calling for urgent action to prevent further escalation, but the path to peace remains fraught with challenges.