Hezbollah has denied Israeli ground incursions into southern Lebanon while launching attacks on Israeli military sites. Prime Minister Najib Mikati has declared Lebanon is facing a dangerous period, initiating a $400 million humanitarian aid appeal for displaced civilians. Airline operations to Beirut and Tel Aviv have been suspended, and the Israeli military aims to target Hezbollah positions without harming Lebanese civilians.
Hezbollah has officially denied reports of Israeli ground troops having entered southern Lebanon, amidst ongoing conflict tensions in the region. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati characterized the situation as one of the most perilous periods in Lebanon’s history. In a show of defiance, Hezbollah has stated that it launched a significant attack on the Glilot military base in Tel Aviv, known as the headquarters for the Israeli military intelligence Unit 8200, firing “Fadi-4” rockets. Additionally, the group claimed responsibility for an assault on the Mossad headquarters located in the suburbs of Tel Aviv. The Israeli military, in response to these claims, reported active interceptions of some of the incoming rockets. In light of the escalating situation, Swiss Air announced an extension of its suspension of flights to both Beirut and Tel Aviv. This decision mirrors that of the German airline group Lufthansa, which also halted operations to these destinations in order to provide increased predictability for passengers and crew. The cancellation extends flights to Beirut until November 30 and to Tel Aviv until October 31. In response to the humanitarian situation exacerbated by the ongoing hostilities, Prime Minister Najib Mikati, alongside the UN humanitarian agency, has initiated a flash appeal requesting over $400 million to meet the urgent needs of civilians affected by the conflict. The appeal aims to mobilize resources for around one million displaced individuals in Lebanon. Meanwhile, the French military has announced the deployment of a helicopter carrier to the Eastern Mediterranean in preparation for potential evacuations of foreign nationals from Lebanon should the need arise. Western nations are currently deliberating on evacuating their citizens safely amidst the threat of a full-scale conflict. The Israeli military clarified that its ongoing operations would specifically target Hezbollah positions near the border, indicating that it seeks to neutralize threats to Israeli towns and communities. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari emphasized that these operations should not be viewed as aggression towards the Lebanese populace, stating, “These localized ground raids will target Hezbollah strongholds that threaten Israeli towns… Hezbollah turned Lebanese villages next to Israeli villages into military bases ready for an attack on Israel.” On a related note, reports indicate continued Israeli military actions in the northern West Bank, with the Palestinian Health Ministry confirming fatalities and injuries amidst recent confrontations between Israeli troops and Palestinians.
The current events are set against the backdrop of heightened tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group. This escalation has seen military encounters that threaten regional stability and result in increased humanitarian needs among civilians. Lebanon, already wrestling with various socio-economic challenges, finds itself at a crucial juncture as it faces repercussions from the violence. The international community is responding with both humanitarian appeals and precautionary measures for foreign nationals in the region, illustrating the global implications of this local conflict.
In conclusion, the tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have reached critical levels, triggering military engagements and significant humanitarian concerns in Lebanon. The Lebanese government is making urgent appeals for international aid while airlines are suspending flights to ensure safety. The situation remains fluid, with potential implications for both regional and international stakeholders as diplomatic and military strategies unfold.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
