Tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border have reached a critical point as the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah intensifies. The ongoing military operations have led to widespread displacement and mounting casualties, raising international concerns about the humanitarian impact of the escalating violence.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have intensified their military operations against Hezbollah. On Sunday, the IDF issued evacuation notices for an additional 25 towns and villages in the region, bringing the total number of affected areas to 98. This mass displacement has pushed Lebanese civilians northward, overwhelming shelters and forcing hundreds of thousands to seek refuge in neighbouring Syria.
According to the IDF Spokesperson, the IDF’s 36th and 98th Divisions are spearheading the ground offensive, focusing on dismantling Hezbollah’s infrastructure. Over the past 24 hours, troops have uncovered and destroyed launch sites, tunnel openings, military buildings, and combat equipment.
Supporting the ground forces, the Israeli Air Force has conducted more than 150 airstrikes on Hezbollah targets. These precision strikes have targeted anti-tank missile launch sites, command headquarters, and underground facilities. The air campaign has also responded to immediate threats, with rapid detection and targeting of armed militants spotted by ground forces.
The conflict’s impact on civilian areas has been severe. Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported that Beirut’s southern suburbs experienced their most intense night of bombardment since tensions escalated in October. The agency described over 30 Israeli air raids in the area, with black smoke visible over the suburbs.
The human toll of the conflict continues to mount. Lebanon’s Health Ministry announced on Sunday that 23 people had died in Israeli strikes on Saturday alone, with an additional 93 injured. These casualties underscore the growing humanitarian crisis as the Lebanese government struggles to cope with the mass displacement from the south and parts of Beirut under heavy attack.
