New Delhi: Nearly 500 individuals have lost their lives in southern Lebanon following Israels largest air offensive against Hezbollah since the outbreak of conflict in Gaza on October 7. According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, approximately 1,650 people have sustained injuries, with around 100 of the deceased being women and children.Daily clashes on the northern borderMinor clashes and skirmishes have become a daily occurrence along Israels northern border, as Hezbollah continues to fire hundreds of rockets into Israel each day. The militant group claims that its actions are in solidarity with the Palestinian people enduring Israels military operations in Gaza.Tensions escalated in August when Hezbollah retaliated with rockets and drones after the death of its senior commander, Faud Shukr, who was killed by Israel in July. Most recently, on Sunday, the group launched over 100 rockets, declaring an open-ended battle of reckoning against Israel. This escalation followed a series of explosions in Lebanon, which resulted in widespread panic. Lebanon has accused Israel and its intelligence agency, Mossad, of being behind the explosions targeting Hezbollah members.Israels response and warningsIn response to the ongoing attacks, Israel has claimed that diplomatic efforts to halt Hezbollahs actions are failing. Israeli officials suggest that an all-out war may be the only solution to stop the attacks on its northern borders and allow residents to return home safely.Updates on the Israel-Lebanon conflictThe Israeli military announced plans to intensify its air assault on what it identifies as Hezbollahs weapon sites in southern and eastern Lebanon. An official from the Israeli military stated that the campaign aims to weaken the groups military capabilities, although a ground invasion is not expected imminently.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu forecasted complicated days ahead, stating, “I want to clarify Israels policy: we do not wait for the threat, we are ahead of it.” In a video address to the Lebanese people, Netanyahu emphasized that Israels actions are not directed at them, urging civilians to get out of harms way now. He accused Hezbollah of using civilians as human shields, asserting that the group has placed rockets in residential areas. “To defend our people against Hezbollah strikes, we must take those weapons,” he added.Global leaders respond to Israel-Hezbollah tensionsIranian President Masoud Pezeshkian issued a warning of “irreversible consequences,” accusing Israel of attempting to draw the entire Middle East into a full-scale war. He stated, “We do not wish to be the cause of instability in the Middle East, as its consequences would be irreversible.”United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed grave concern over the escalating situation in Lebanon, denouncing both Israels bombing campaign and Hezbollahs continued strikes. “All efforts must be devoted to a diplomatic solution,” he urged.EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell warned that the clashes could lead to an “all-out war.” He remarked, “I can say we are almost in a full-fledged war. Were seeing more military strikes, more damage, more collateral damage, more victims,” ahead of a UN meeting of world leaders.Meanwhile, the United States announced plans to engage in discussions about concrete ideas with allies to prevent the conflict from expanding further. President Biden stated that the U.S. is actively working to calm the situation in Lebanon.
