PTC News Desk: Israeli forces have initiated "limited, localised, and targeted" ground operations in Lebanon just two days after an airstrike killed Hezbollah’s chief, Hassan Nasrallah. These actions risk further escalating the already volatile situation in the Middle East.
Here are the key developments in this ongoing crisis:
- Ground Raids Target Hezbollah Infrastructure: Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) stated that the ground operations are focused on Hezbollah infrastructure in villages close to the Israeli border in southern Lebanon. These villages are considered an immediate threat to northern Israeli communities. Dubbed Operation "Northern Arrows," the raids are continuing alongside Israel's ongoing operations in Gaza and other regions.
- Airstrikes on South Beirut: Israel conducted at least six airstrikes on southern Beirut, following an evacuation order for residents. According to a Lebanese official, a Palestinian camp in southern Lebanon was also struck during the attacks.
- Hezbollah's Response: Hezbollah's deputy leader, Naim Qassem, made his first public address following Nasrallah's death, warning that the group is prepared to fight if Israel advances by land. Hezbollah has since claimed responsibility for targeting Israeli troops stationed near the Lebanese border.
- Global Calls for Ceasefire Ignored: Despite opposition from world leaders, including the United Nations Secretary-General and U.S. President Joe Biden, Israel and Hezbollah have continued their military operations, disregarding calls for a ceasefire. International efforts for a diplomatic resolution have so far been unsuccessful.
- Heavy Israeli Airstrikes on Beirut: Over the past week, Israeli airstrikes have hit numerous targets in Beirut, reportedly killing hundreds and displacing thousands. Lebanese officials report widespread devastation, with the civilian population bearing the brunt of the attacks.
- Evacuation Orders Issued: The Israeli military ordered residents of southern Beirut to evacuate, citing the proximity to Hezbollah-affiliated facilities. "For your safety and the safety of your family, you must evacuate immediately," said IDF spokesman Avichay Adraee in a public warning.
- Nasrallah's Death Marks a Turning Point: The killing of Hezbollah’s leader Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike on Friday has intensified the conflict. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant declared that while Nasrallah’s death was a critical achievement, the military campaign would continue.
- Israeli Defence Strategy Expands: Defence Minister Gallant warned that Israel would deploy "all necessary means" to secure the northern border with Lebanon, indicating that operations would involve air, sea, and land forces to prevent further threats from Hezbollah.
- Airstrikes in Syria: In a related development, Israeli airstrikes on Damascus resulted in the deaths of three civilians, according to Syrian state media. The strikes were reportedly launched from the direction of the Golan Heights, targeting several sites in the Syrian capital.
- Hezbollah Shifts Focus from Gaza to Lebanon: The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah marks a shift from the long-standing Israeli focus on Hamas in Gaza. Hezbollah, which is supported by Iran, has aligned itself with the Palestinian Hamas movement, further complicating the conflict as it spans multiple fronts.
This intensifying conflict between Israel and Hezbollah represents a significant shift in the dynamics of the Middle East crisis, with the potential to destabilise the region further. As ground raids and airstrikes continue, the international community is grappling with how to prevent the conflict from spiraling out of control.
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- With inputs from agencies
