Renewed Strikes Amid Tensions
Israel has restarted its airstrikes on southern Beirut, marking the first attacks in six days. This resumption occurs despite assurances from U.S. officials to Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati that Israel would limit its strikes on the Lebanese capital. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) argue that these strikes are essential to counter the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, which maintains a strong presence in the area, particularly in the Daniyeh neighborhood.
Targeting Hezbollah
While announcing the airstrikes, the IDF issued an evacuation warning via social media, stating their target was a residential building in the Haret Hreik area, which they claimed housed an arms depot. Tragically, hours later, airstrikes resulted in the deaths of at least 15 individuals in Qana, a town with a fraught history concerning civilian casualties during conflicts involving Israel and Hezbollah.
Historical Context of Violence
Qana has seen devastating losses in the past, including a notorious 1996 incident where an Israeli artillery shell hit a U.N. compound, killing around 100 civilians and four UN peacekeepers. Further, during the 2006 conflict, Israeli strikes on a residential building resulted in multiple fatalities, including children, as it was allegedly being used as a Hezbollah rocket launcher. As rescue operations continue in Qana, Lebanon’s Civil Defense is recovering bodies from the rubble, revealing the ongoing human toll of these military actions.
No Signs of Peace
Israel justifies its military operations as necessary to dismantle Hezbollah’s capacity to launch rockets into Israeli territory, a reaction to Hezbollah’s solidarity with Hamas amid ongoing conflict in Gaza. Hezbollah’s acting leader, Sheikh Naim Kassem, has vowed to persist with attacks until a ceasefire is declared in Gaza, further complicating the potential for negotiations.
Growing International Concern
Despite general international support for Israel’s right to defend itself, mounting criticism has arisen regarding its military tactics, particularly from France. President Emmanuel Macron has called for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon and labeled the strikes as “unjustifiable” during a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In response, Netanyahu firmly opposed any unilateral ceasefire unless it ensured security for northern Israel and prevented Hezbollah from rearming. Additionally, the U.S. has voiced its limitations on endorsing Israel’s military actions in Lebanon, expressing concerns about the scale and scope of the recent bombing campaigns.
SOURCE: Ref Image from Politico.eu
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