Beirut, Lebanon – In a swift and deadly response to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s UN General Assembly address, Israel carried out airstrikes in southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah’s headquarters and killing hundreds. The strikes, which occurred just moments after Netanyahu vowed to continue fighting the militant group, have sparked widespread panic and a growing humanitarian crisis.
The aerial bombardment, which began on September 23, has resulted in over 700 deaths and 5,000 injuries, with hundreds of thousands displaced. The situation remains dire, with Lebanon’s National News Agency reporting intensified airstrikes overnight and the killing of a family of nine in south Lebanon.
Hezbollah has retaliated with rocket attacks on northern Israeli cities, including Tiberias, prompting fears of an all-out war. The conflict has raised concerns of wider turmoil in the Middle East, with Iran-backed militants vowing to support Lebanon and Hezbollah.
Netanyahu’s address to the UN General Assembly emphasized Israel’s commitment to fighting Hamas and Hezbollah, stating, “As long as Hezbollah chooses the path of war, Israel has no choice, and Israel has every right to remove this threat and return our citizens to their home safe”.
The international community has called for de-escalation, but Israel has rejected these appeals, insisting that operations will continue until objectives are met. The US-led bid for a ceasefire remains elusive, despite months of mediation efforts.
The human toll of the conflict continues to mount, with the UN children’s agency condemning the violence and citing a “frightening rate” of child casualties. Lebanese businessman Anis Rubeiz, 55, captured the sentiment of many, saying, “Everything is collapsing around us… People are tired mentally… I don’t see (hope) on the horizon… or even a ray of light”.
As tensions escalate, analysts warn of Iran’s delicate balance between supporting Hezbollah and avoiding full-scale war ¹. With no end in sight, the region teeters on the brink of catastrophe.
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