Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed calls from the United States and France for a ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon, urging the Israeli military to persist in its operations. Smoke billowed over the southern Lebanese village of Khiam, following a devastating Israeli airstrike, as captured in images from Marjayoun town on Tuesday, September 24, 2024.
Travel advisory for Indian in Lebanon
Amid rising hostilities, the Indian Embassy in Beirut has renewed its travel advisory, strongly urging Indian nationals to refrain from traveling to Lebanon. Those already in the country have been advised to exercise utmost caution and leave at the earliest opportunity. This follows a similar advisory issued a month ago due to escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
International Call for Ceasefire
The international community, including the United States, France, and the European Union, has called for an immediate 21-day ceasefire along the Israel-Lebanon border. These nations warn that the ongoing clashes pose an “unacceptable risk” of a broader regional escalation. Despite these appeals, Israeli military chief Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi ordered an intensification of airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon on Wednesday, signaling the potential for a ground invasion.
Current Casualty Figures and Military Operations
Since the renewed Israeli offensive on Hezbollah targets began on Monday, more than 600 people have lost their lives, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. This offensive marks a major escalation in the conflict, which has been intensifying since October 2023.
Origins of the Conflict
The hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah have their roots in ongoing tensions since late 2023. Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militia, has launched rockets, missiles, and drones into northern Israel, expressing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza and its ally, Hamas. In retaliation, Israel has ramped up airstrikes and targeted operations against Hezbollah commanders, hinting at the possibility of a larger ground invasion.
In a recent address, Netanyahu made no reference to ceasefire negotiations, instead stating that Hezbollah is facing far greater repercussions than it had anticipated. This escalating confrontation continues to draw international attention, raising concerns of a more extensive conflict in the region.
