In a stark warning, Israel has indicated that while it does not seek war with Lebanon, it is prepared to send its northern neighbor “back to the Stone Age” if a conflict arises. This declaration comes amid heightened tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border and a stern warning from the UN about the potentially devastating consequences of such a war.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, speaking during a visit to Washington on Wednesday, stated, “We do not want war, but we are preparing for every scenario. Hezbollah understands very well that we can inflict massive damage in Lebanon if a war is launched.”
The border region has experienced daily exchanges of fire between Israeli forces and Iran-backed Hezbollah militants since the October 7 attack on Israel by Hezbollah’s ally Hamas, which sparked the ongoing war in Gaza. Concerns that these skirmishes could escalate into a full-scale war have intensified, particularly after Israel disclosed its plans for a potential offensive in Lebanon, eliciting further threats from Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
In Washington, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin conveyed to Gallant the severe repercussions another war with Hezbollah could have on the Middle East, advocating for a diplomatic resolution. A US official mentioned that Washington is engaged in “fairly intensive conversations” with Israel, Lebanon, and other stakeholders, emphasizing that no side desires a major escalation.
Amid these developments, Germany has joined Canada in urging its citizens to leave Lebanon immediately. The German foreign ministry updated its travel advice, highlighting the risk of further escalation in the border area with Israel.
UN humanitarian coordinator Martin Griffiths expressed grave concern, labeling Lebanon as “the flashpoint beyond all flashpoints” and warning of “potentially apocalyptic” outcomes if conflict breaks out. He emphasized that such a war would likely draw in Syria and other regional actors, exacerbating the situation.
On Wednesday, Lebanon’s national news agency reported approximately 10 Israeli strikes near the border, including a nighttime attack in Nabatiyeh that injured five people. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for six attacks on Israeli military positions in the region.
As Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza approaches its tenth month, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the “intense phase” of operations in Gaza is winding down, suggesting that some forces might be redeployed to the Lebanese border for defensive purposes. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expressed hope that a ceasefire in Gaza could reduce hostilities on the Lebanese border.
In Gaza, bombings continued into Thursday, with fighting reported in the southern city of Rafah. The civil defense agency reported that at least four people, including three children, were killed in a strike on a house in Beit Lahia. However, agency spokesman Mahmud Basal noted a relative calm compared to previous days.
The conflict, which began with Hamas’s October 7 attack on southern Israel, has resulted in significant casualties. According to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures, 1,195 people, mostly civilians, have died. Hamas’s retaliatory actions have caused at least 37,718 deaths, predominantly civilians, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens, with hospitals struggling and essentials becoming scarce. Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA, highlighted the dire impact on children, noting an average of 10 children losing limbs daily due to the conflict.
In Cyprus, USAID officials reported that only a fraction of the aid shipped to Gaza has been distributed due to looting and security issues, exacerbating the humanitarian plight.
As tensions remain high, international efforts continue to prevent a broader regional conflict and address the humanitarian needs in Gaza.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
