BEIRUT, Lebanon: The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah continues to escalate, drawing in the attention of global powers and intensifying the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon and Gaza.
Hezbollah reported on Sunday that they were engaging Israeli forces attempting to infiltrate the village of Ramiya in southern Lebanon, marking a significant intensification of hostilities.
The United Nations peacekeeping force, UNIFIL, is also being affected, with three of their peacekeepers wounded as Israeli airstrikes hit their positions, including the main base in southern Lebanon.
This attack has prompted international outrage. UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attacks, urging Israel to guarantee the safety of UN personnel. Western countries like France, Italy, and Spain, as well as the US President Joe Biden, have called on Israel to refrain from targeting UNIFIL forces. Russia also voiced strong opposition to the attacks, demanding an immediate halt to any hostile actions against peacekeepers.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces continue their bombardment of Gaza, with at least 29 Palestinians killed in recent strikes. In northern Gaza’s Jabalia refugee camp, residents report relentless attacks as Israeli forces aim to dismantle Hamas infrastructure. The conflict has displaced over 1.2 million people in Lebanon, and thousands are trapped in Gaza, facing worsening humanitarian conditions.
The Israeli military has intensified operations in southern Lebanon, including ground troop incursions, in response to Hezbollah’s continued rocket attacks. Hezbollah, has fired hundreds of rockets into Israel, deepening the conflict, while Israel has expanded its military campaign to target Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon, Beirut, and the Bekaa Valley.
Despite international calls for a ceasefire, Israel has rejected any cessation of hostilities, insisting on continuing its military operations. The conflict remains volatile, with U.S. and Israeli officials warning of potential further escalation in the coming days.
