Stanisland Magazine

Lebanon remains a target for the Israeli authorities, leaving thousands displaced by conflict.

Conflict in Lebanon has escalated following recent events. Israeli air strikes have killed more than 500 people, including 21 children, injuring more than 1,000 Lebanese nationals. A statement from Benjamin Netanyahu’s government said “warplanes targeted dozens of sites” overnight.

Pager Blast Response

The strikes are part of a broader attack carried out last week by Israel which used pagers and walkie-talkies as explosive devices.

The blasts were labelled ‘indiscriminate’, resulting in the deaths of more than 30 people, including a 10-year-old girl and leaving nearly 3,000 with severe injuries. Israel denied responsibility for the blasts.

The Israeli air force continued its assault with air strikes claiming they were launched in response to an imminent attack planned by Hezbollah.

In response, the Lebanese group retaliated, hitting deep inside the north of Tel-Aviv controlled territory,

Escalation of Recent Events

Since last year, 7,491 cross-border military exchanges have been documented between Israel and Hezbollah. The escalation of attacks between the two is the result of Israel’s invasion of Gaza following an operation carried out by Hamas fighters.

READ MORE: Pager and Walkie-Talkie Attacks Explained

The ICR (International Committee of the Red Cross), who are supplying Lebanon with medical aid and food packages, suggest approximately 1,700 people have been killed or injured across the country.

Yesterday saw a return to intense gunfire and bombings, which displaced thousands in southern Lebanon, with internally displaced people (IDPs) moving towards the capital, Beirut.

The global response to the IDF’s expansion into their northern neighbour’s territory, has been one of bewilderment. With no clear plan, many feel this will only aggravate the situation further. And with refugee populations beginning to climb, humanitarian organisations worry for the future of the Middle East.

What You Need To Know

• Israel claimed to have been targeting one of Hezbollah’s leaders Ali Karaki. The group claim he was alive.
• Many Gazans fear they will be forgotten following the recent escalation in Lebanon.
• The United States says it has deployed 40,000 troops to the Middle East in response to rising tensions.
• Nations throughout the region have condemned the violence. The UAE said they were conducted “without the slightest regard for the laws governing relations and sovereignty of states”.
• Saudi Arabia released a statement saying “the kingdom renews its warning of the dangers of expanding violence in the region”.
• Egypt said “unilateral actions” are “violating the sovereignty of Lebanon”.
• The UN Secretary-General said he is “gravely alarmed by the escalating situation along the Blue Line and the large number of civilian casualties, including children and women, being reported by the Lebanese authorities, as well as thousands of displaced persons, amidst the most intense Israeli bombing campaign since last October”.
• The UN General Assembly begins today in New York, and US President Joe Biden is expected expected to say that his “vision for a world where countries come together to solve big problems” has yielded “results”.