Hezbollah denies that Israeli ground troops have entered southern Lebanon, while Prime Minister Najib Mikati warns of severe dangers facing Lebanon. Hezbollah reportedly launched rockets at Israeli military targets, prompting responses from the Israeli military. Concurrently, Swiss Air and Lufthansa suspended flights to Beirut and Tel Aviv due to the volatile situation. An appeal for over $400 million was made to assist civilians impacted by the conflict, and a French helicopter carrier was dispatched to assist potential evacuations of foreign nationals.
Hezbollah has asserted that Israeli ground forces have not crossed into southern Lebanon, amid heightened tensions in the region. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati has characterized the current circumstances as potentially one of the gravest periods in the nation’s history. The militant group Hezbollah claimed responsibility for launching a series of “Fadi-4” rockets targeting the Glilot base in Tel Aviv, which serves as the headquarters for Israeli military intelligence Unit 8200. Additionally, they reported an attack on the Mossad headquarters situated in the suburbs of Tel Aviv. The Israeli military acknowledged these strikes and indicated that some of the incoming rockets were successfully intercepted. In light of ongoing conflict and instability, Swiss Air announced an extension to its suspension of flights, following a similar decision made by its parent company, Lufthansa. Operations to and from Beirut have been suspended until November 30, while flights to and from Tel Aviv will cease until October 31. Amid the escalating violence, Prime Minister Mikati, alongside the UN humanitarian coordinator for Lebanon, Imran Riza, has initiated a flash appeal seeking over $400 million in urgent resources to assist civilians affected by the humanitarian crisis. The aim is to address the emergency needs of approximately one million people displaced due to Israeli airstrikes. To respond to potential evacuations of foreign nationals, a French helicopter carrier is expected to be deployed to the Eastern Mediterranean. This action reflects considerations by Western countries regarding the safety of their citizens should conditions in Lebanon deteriorate further. France, with around 20,000 nationals in Lebanon, has dispatched its Dixmude helicopter carrier in anticipation of possible evacuations. The Israeli military has stated its ground operations will focus on targeting Hezbollah positions that pose a threat to Israeli towns and communities. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari emphasized that these ground raids are not intended as a campaign against the Lebanese populace. Reports also indicate ongoing incidents in the occupied West Bank, where the Palestinian Health Ministry has confirmed fatalities resulting from Israeli military actions, including the death of Abdul Hakim Mamoun Abdul Hamid Shaheen in Nablus. Furthermore, incidents involving emergency medical technicians in the West Bank underscore the challenges faced by first responders in conflict zones. Mikati has urgently called on the United Nations to increase aid, stating, “Around a million of our people have been displaced because of the devastating war that Israel is waging on Lebanon”.
The situation between Hezbollah and Israeli forces is characterized by a series of incidents involving military action and diplomatic appeals for humanitarian aid. The longstanding conflict has intensified recently, with claims and counterclaims regarding military engagements across the Israel-Lebanon border. As civilian populations become increasingly affected by military actions, both Lebanese officials and international agencies are seeking significant humanitarian assistance to address the consequences of this escalation. The viability of evacuation and safety for foreign nationals remains a priority for various countries, evidenced by the deployment of military resources by France. The ongoing violence in the West Bank adds another layer of complexity to the regional conflict, impacting medical services and increasing civilian casualties.
The current tensions between Hezbollah and Israel have reached critical levels, with accusations and military engagements taking center stage. As Lebanon faces significant humanitarian challenges due to the conflict, Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s call for international assistance highlights the urgent need for support for displaced civilians. The involvement of international airlines in suspending operations underscores the widespread implications of the escalating violence. Additionally, incidents in the West Bank indicate a broader pattern of conflict affecting numerous civilian lives. The situation requires urgent attention from the international community to mitigate humanitarian crises and restore stability in the region.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
