Israel Intensifies Attacks on Lebanon Despite Iran Ceasefire
In the wake of a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, Israel has launched a massive wave of attacks across Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah strongholds. The strikes, characterized by Israel as the largest coordinated strike
in the ongoing conflict, have led to widespread condemnation and calls for an investigation by the United Nations and other international bodies.
Context and Background
News of the Israeli offensive comes amidst the recent US-Iran ceasefire agreement, brokered by Pakistan, which aimed to bring a two-week pause in the ongoing hostilities. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed claims of the ceasefire extending to the Lebanese front, stating that the offensive against Hezbollah will continue.
Sources report that the Israeli military has completed deployment to an anti-tank defensive line in southern Lebanon, and has targeted approximately 100 Hezbollah command centres and military sites across Beirut, Bekaa, and southern Lebanon. These attacks have led to the displacement of over a million people from southern Lebanon, according to Clarin.
Recent Developments
The Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz claimed that the latest wave of attacks killed hundreds
of Hezbollah fighters. He also issued a warning to Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem, stating that his turn will come
.
The Lebanese president, Joseph Aoun, has condemned the attacks, stating that Israel is increasing its aggression and disregarding all human values
. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has called for an investigation into the Israeli strikes, asserting that Israel carried out about 100 strikes across the Arab republic within just 10 minutes.
Reactions and Implications
The Israeli attacks have drawn criticism from various international quarters. Syria's Foreign Ministry has condemned the aggression against Lebanon, calling it a clear violation of international law, international humanitarian law, and the principles of the UN Charter
.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot strongly condemned the strikes, stating that they undermine the temporary ceasefire reached yesterday between the United States and Iran
. Similarly, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who helped mediate the US-Iran ceasefire, expressed that the agreement called for an “immediate ceasefire everywhere, including Lebanon and elsewhere.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the US must choose between a ceasefire or continuing the war through Israel, adding that “the world is witnessing the killings in Lebanon… the ball is in America’s court.”
Current Status
Despite the widespread condemnation, Israel has reaffirmed its commitment to continue strikes against Hezbollah. The Israeli military has reportedly killed Hezbollah chief’s secretary as rocket fire from Lebanon persists. Meanwhile, Netanyahu has stated that there are still goals that Israel must achieve
.
Amidst the ongoing violence, Lebanon has declared a national day of mourning. The death toll from the Israeli strikes has reached 1,500, with over a thousand more left wounded, according to Middle East Eye. As the region grapples with the unfolding crisis, the international community awaits the outcome of the imminent ceasefire talks between the US and Iran.