The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran has escalated in recent days, with smoke billowing over Beirut’s southern suburbs as hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces continue. Blasts were heard in the southern suburbs of Beirut following three evacuation warnings issued by Israel early on Saturday morning. The Israeli offensive on Lebanon persists, with strikes damaging the Masnaa Border Crossing and preventing Lebanese refugees from fleeing to Syria. The Hezbollah has also shelled Israeli forces during a ground incursion in Lebanon, as the IDF claims to have killed 250 Hezbollah operatives since the beginning of their ground operations.
The Israeli military reported that the Hezbollah launched 100 rockets into Israel on Friday, further intensifying the conflict. The Salah Ghandour Hospital in Bint Jbeil was bombed by Israel on Friday, highlighting the medical crisis in Lebanon where many primary health care centers have been damaged or shut down. The World Health Organization reported that 28 health workers in Lebanon were killed in just 24 hours, underscoring the dire situation in the country.
On Thursday night, the Israeli military launched 10 consecutive strikes targeting Hezbollah’s intelligence headquarters and key commander Hashem Safieddine. In response, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei addressed a Friday prayer service with Safieddine’s brother present to commemorate the slain Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah. Khamenei called for Muslim nations to unite against Israeli attacks and defended the October 7 attacks by Hamas in Israel as legitimate. He also justified Iran’s missile attacks on Israel earlier in the week, asserting the country’s right to self-defense.
The conflict has taken a heavy toll on Lebanon, with around 1,400 Lebanese, including Hezbollah fighters and civilians, killed and 1.2 million driven from their homes since Israel escalated its strikes. The situation remains volatile and the international community is closely monitoring the developments in the region.
As the conflict continues to unfold, it is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize the safety and well-being of civilians and work towards a peaceful resolution. The violence and destruction caused by the ongoing hostilities only serve to deepen the suffering of the people in the region. It is imperative for diplomatic efforts to be intensified to de-escalate the situation and prevent further loss of life. The international community must come together to support efforts towards a lasting peace in the region.