Lagatar24 Desk
New York: The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah took a sharp turn on Sunday, with both sides vowing to intensify their cross-border attacks, raising fears of a broader escalation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahuand Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem signaled a more aggressive phase in the conflict, which has already led to significant casualties on both sides.
Speaking at the funeral of two Hezbollah commanders killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut, Qassem declared, “What happened last night is just the beginning. We will kill them and fight them from where they expect and from where they do not expect.” The New York Times reported that Qassem’s remarks signal a heightened phase of warfare between Hezbollah and Israel.
Hezbollah’s Attack on Israel
Hezbollah launched a barrage of around 150 rockets, cruise missiles, and drones early on Sunday, targeting Israel’sdeeper regions. Although Israel’s defense systems intercepted most of the projectiles, one struck Kiryat Bialik, leaving at least four people wounded, according to the Israeli military.
Israel’s Retaliation
In response, Israel carried out a series of airstrikes in southern Lebanon, resulting in at least three deaths and four injuries, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. The escalation follows a Friday airstrike in Beirut, where the death toll has now risen to 45.
Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s stance, stating that they would continue to counter Hezbollah’s threats and ensure the return of over 1,50,000 displaced people who have fled their homes in recent months due to the conflict. “We will take whatever action is necessary to protect our people and restore stability,” Netanyahu emphasized.
A New Phase of Warfare
Hezbollah has declared that this marks a “new stage” in its warfare strategy against Israel, signaling a more open and intensified confrontation. On the other hand, Israel remains resolute, with Netanyahu stating that Israel is prepared to take “whatever action is necessary” to address the threats posed by Hezbollah and other adversaries.
UN Concerns Over Escalation
As the conflict intensifies, the United Nations has expressed serious concerns about the escalating violence. The UN’s special coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, cautioned that the Middle East is on the brink of a major catastrophe. She stressed, “There is NO military solution that will make either side safer.”
The recent attacks have also disrupted Hezbollah’s communications, following the detonation of booby-trapped devicesacross Lebanon. While Israel has not claimed responsibility for the explosions, they resulted in the deaths of dozens and injuries to thousands.
Global Response and Impact
The world watches closely as the situation between Israel and Hezbollah teeters on the edge of a larger conflict, with both sides determined to escalate their attacks. The UN and other international bodies continue to call for restraint, warning of the potential humanitarian and geopolitical consequences if the violence spirals out of control.
