BEIRUT, Lebanon – A severe escalation in cross-border fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has plunged Lebanon into a deepening humanitarian crisis, with Israeli airstrikes reaching the southern suburbs of Beirut and sweeping evacuation orders forcing hundreds of thousands of people from their homes The conflict has intensified since early March, when Hezbollah launched attacks on Israeli military sites in what it described as a response to previous Israeli strikes
Israel’s military has since conducted numerous strikes across southern Lebanon and in Beirut, and has ordered residents in vast areas of the south and parts of the capital to move north, causing widespread fear and displacement According to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, the Israeli attacks have resulted in at least 687 deaths and 1,774 injuries The mass displacement is straining resources, with many families seeking refuge in shelters or with relatives International bodies, including the United Nations, have expressed grave concern over the humanitarian situation and the potential for a wider war UN Secretary-General António Guterres has repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire between the two sides
Hezbollah has signaled its readiness for a prolonged conflict. The group's Deputy Secretary-General, Naim Qassem, stated that Hezbollah is prepared for a "long confrontation" and warned that Israel would face "surprises on the battlefield" He framed the group's actions as a defensive effort for Lebanon Meanwhile, Israeli officials are reportedly discussing plans for a potential large-scale ground operation aimed at taking control of parts of southern Lebanon to create a security zone These developments follow months of escalating tensions and attacks, which have included drone strikes and rocket fire from both sides
Yasir Rai
