In a tragic turn of events, an Israeli airstrike has taken the lives of three Lebanese soldiers in southern Lebanon. This strike occurred while France hosted a crucial conference aimed at garnering support for the Lebanese state forces, which are increasingly viewed as essential for any peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
- Advertisement -
The unfortunate incident involved the Lebanese troops as they attempted to evacuate the wounded from the outskirts of Yater, a village situated in southern Lebanon. This information comes directly from the Lebanese military, underscoring the dangers faced by those attempting to assist others in peril.
The region, particularly southern Lebanon, has been subjected to relentless bombardment by Israeli forces throughout their month-long military campaign against Hezbollah, a powerful militant group backed by Iran. This escalation of violence originates from the broader conflict ignited by the events in Gaza.
Lebanese authorities have reported a staggering toll in the conflict, with over 2,500 lives lost and more than a million individuals displaced from their homes. In light of this devastating situation, the conference in Paris seeks to mobilize essential humanitarian assistance and bolster the capabilities of the Lebanese military.
This military deployment in southern Lebanon aligns with UN Security Council resolution 1701, which was enacted to conclude the 2006 conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. During the Paris conference, attendees will emphasize that adherence to resolution 1701 is crucial for achieving a ceasefire in the current hostilities. “A ceasefire in Lebanon is imperative. Continued damage and loss of life will not eradicate terrorism or guarantee safety for all,” stated French President Emmanuel Macron, highlighting the need for immediate action.
Macron further stressed that the conference aims to facilitate the recruitment of 6,000 Lebanese troops while ensuring that the military receives necessary supplies. Meanwhile, Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati announced that the Lebanese government could mobilize an additional 8,000 soldiers as part of a ceasefire initiative, though he implored the international community for financial assistance and training resources.
“The tempest we face now is unlike anything before,” Mr. Mikati expressed, warning of a potential wave of total destruction that threatens not only Lebanon but the very essence of human values worldwide.
In a related development, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin conveyed concerns to his Israeli counterpart regarding the targeting of Lebanese armed forces. He urged Israel to exercise caution to protect the safety of both the Lebanese army and the UN peacekeeping forces present in Lebanon, according to a Pentagon statement.
As the conflict rages on, Israel launched its military campaign with the stated goal of securing the return of numerous Israelis who were compelled to evacuate their homes in northern Israel due to a year of cross-border rocket assaults from Hezbollah.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who has been traversing the region to advocate for a cessation of violence in Gaza and Lebanon, notably skipped the Paris conference, leaving many observers wondering about the implications of this absence.
Amidst the chaos, Israel has dealt significant blows to Hezbollah, reportedly killing its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, along with numerous other high-ranking commanders. The Israeli Air Force has launched airstrikes targeting Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and the southern suburbs of Beirut.
In its campaign, Israel has extended its attacks to various locations. A security source reported at least one fatality following an assault on a vehicle on the main highway connecting Beirut to the Bekaa Valley. Observers noted billowing smoke rising from one of Lebanon’s busiest routes as emergency personnel attended to the scene.
Simultaneously, air raid sirens blared throughout northern Israel, particularly in Nahariya, accompanied by the unmistakable sounds of explosions as Israeli air defense systems intercepted incoming Hezbollah rockets. Footage from the area revealed damage to vehicles, remnants of projectiles strewn on the roadside, and a crater formed where a rocket had struck.
Hezbollah claimed responsibility for a series of rocket attacks, escalating tensions further.
In response, the Israeli military stated its forces continue to conduct “limited, localized, targeted ground raids against the Hezbollah terrorist organization in southern Lebanon.” According to the IDF, they have “struck over 160 Hezbollah terror targets, including launchers and critical infrastructure sites throughout Lebanon.” The ongoing skirmishes have resulted in Hezbollah fighters engaging Israeli forces in the border town of Aita Al-Shaab.
The Alma Research and Education Centre, an Israeli think tank focused on developments in the northern arena and Hezbollah, reported that 29 Israeli civilians have lost their lives due to Hezbollah’s actions over the past year. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) calculated that 52 Israeli soldiers have died as a result of the conflict in Israel and southern Lebanon, with 25 casualties occurring since the commencement of the ground offensive three weeks ago.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
