Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant warned Iran of potential consequences resembling the situations in Gaza or Beirut if hostility towards Israel persists. This warning follows an Israeli airstrike that killed at least 21 in Gaza. Meanwhile, France’s President Macron urged an end to arms shipments to Israel, facing criticism from Netanyahu. The conflict has caused massive displacement, with over 2,000 dead in Lebanon since October 7, 2022, and around 1.2 million displaced people.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant issued a stark warning to Iran on Sunday, suggesting that the consequences of any hostility towards Israel could result in a situation akin to that of Gaza or Beirut. This statement follows a recent Israeli airstrike on a mosque in Deir al-Balah, Central Gaza, which reportedly killed at least 21 individuals, according to the Gaza civil defense agency. Over the course of the weekend, Israel has intensified its military actions, resulting in significant explosions reported in the southern suburbs of Beirut, an area with strong Hezbollah presence. French President Emmanuel Macron called upon the global community to cease arms shipments to Israel intended for use in Gaza, a stance that met sharp criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who described Macron’s position as “shameful.” However, Macron’s office later emphasized France’s unwavering support for Israel, labeling Netanyahu’s comments as “excessive.” Notably, the ongoing conflict has resulted in the displacement of approximately 1.2 million people in Lebanon, with around 374,000 fleeing to Syria in recent days. Since Hamas launched its attack on Israel on October 7, more than 2,000 lives have been lost in Lebanon, with a considerable number of those casualties occurring in the past week. The Israeli military has also reported the deaths of nine soldiers since initiating a ground operation in southern Lebanon earlier this month.
The current escalation of violence in the Middle East, particularly involving Israel and Hezbollah, stems from the long-standing tensions exacerbated by the conflict involving Hamas. The recent military actions by Israel have led to international calls for restraint, humanitarian considerations, and discussions on military assistance, particularly in light of President Macron’s comments. The situation remains critical, with significant loss of life and humanitarian crises unfolding as thousands are displaced.
In conclusion, the remarks by Israeli Defence Minister Gallant serve as a stark reminder of the potential for further violence in the region, particularly involving Iran and its allies. The tensions highlighted by Macron’s comments about arms shipments to Israel indicate a complex interplay of international relations influenced by this ongoing conflict. The humanitarian toll continues to rise, with vast numbers of individuals affected by the military confrontations in both Lebanon and Gaza.
Original Source: www.france24.com
