Tensions between Israel and Lebanon flared on Saturday after Israel launched airstrikes on southern Lebanon in response to a cross-border rocket attack, heightening concerns of further conflict in the region.
Israel and Hezbollah are locked in rising tensions following a rocket attack from southern Lebanon into Israeli territory, marking the first such incident since the ceasefire agreement reached in November. In retaliation, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) carried out airstrikes targeting Hezbollah rocket launchers and a command center in southern Lebanon. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed the IDF to take decisive action against what he referred to as "dozens of terror targets," aiming to deter further provocations.
According to Lebanon's health ministry, the Israeli strikes resulted in the deaths of two individuals, including a child, and left eight others injured. In response, Lebanon’s Prime Minister warned against the country being dragged into a new conflict, urging both sides to de-escalate the situation. Despite this, Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militant group, denied responsibility for the rocket fire, stating that it remained committed to the ceasefire deal, which had ended over a year of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.
The United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has expressed concern about the potential escalation of violence. It called on both Israel and Lebanon to uphold their ceasefire commitments, urging restraint on both sides to prevent further casualties.
While Israel has yet to fully withdraw its forces from five locations in southern Lebanon, citing security concerns over Hezbollah's rearming efforts, this latest attack will likely intensify pressure on the Lebanese government to maintain control over its border areas. Lebanon has previously accused Israel of violating the ceasefire terms by continuing to occupy these areas.
Despite ongoing Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah targets, the militant group has refrained from responding directly, focusing instead on addressing the financial and logistical challenges it faces in supporting its communities. Hezbollah’s reluctance to escalate may stem from internal pressures, including calls from various factions for the group to disarm and reduce its military activity in the face of the economic hardship caused by the prolonged conflict.
This latest rocket attack and the Israeli retaliation underscore the fragile nature of the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, and the precarious situation in southern Lebanon, where ongoing tensions threaten to reignite broader hostilities in the region. Both sides are now under increasing pressure to avoid further violence and to adhere to their commitments to peace, as the international community watches closely for signs of escalation.
A flash of light followed by the sound of an explosion was observed over Gaza early on Saturday, according to witnesses, as severe winter storms worse...
Hundreds of people gathered for a second consecutive week at Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, on Friday (12 December), to support the family of Master Sg...
Britain’s King Charles III said on Friday, 12 December, that his cancer treatment is expected to be reduced in the coming year, using a televised ad...
Talks aimed at ending the war between Ukraine and Russia are set to continue in Berlin this weekend, with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff due to meet Ukraini...
Türkiye’s Trade Minister Omer Bolat said Friday that discussions in Washington with U.S. officials have strengthened efforts to expand bilateral tr...
A flash of light followed by the sound of an explosion was observed over Gaza early on Saturday, according to witnesses, as severe winter storms worsened an already dire humanitarian crisis in the territory.
Hundreds of people gathered for a second consecutive week at Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, on Friday (12 December), to support the family of Master Sgt. Ran Gvili, the last remaining Israeli hostage whose body is believed to be held in Gaza.
Talks aimed at ending the war between Ukraine and Russia are set to continue in Berlin this weekend, with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff due to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and senior European leaders, a U.S. official said.
Türkiye’s Trade Minister Omer Bolat said Friday that discussions in Washington with U.S. officials have strengthened efforts to expand bilateral trade, moving closer to a $100 billion target.
Japan has lifted a tsunami advisory issued after an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.9 hit the country's northeastern region on Friday (12 December), the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said. The JMA had earlier put the earthquake's preliminary magnitude at 6.7.
Iran is preparing to host a multilateral regional meeting next week in a bid to mediate between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The United States issued new sanctions targeting Venezuela on Thursday, imposing curbs on three nephews of President Nicolas Maduro's wife, as well as six crude oil tankers and shipping companies linked to them, as Washington ramps up pressure on Caracas.
The resignation of Bulgaria's government on Thursday (11 December) puts an end to an increasingly unpopular coalition but is likely to usher in a period of prolonged political instability on the eve of the Black Sea nation's entry into the euro zone.
An extratropical cyclone has caused widespread disruption across Brazil’s São Paulo state, with powerful winds toppling trees and power lines, blocking streets and leaving large parts of the region without electricity.
Britain’s King Charles III said on Friday, 12 December, that his cancer treatment is expected to be reduced in the coming year, using a televised address to urge people across the country to take part in cancer screening programmes, officials confirmed.
Talks aimed at ending the war between Ukraine and Russia are set to continue in Berlin this weekend, with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff due to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and senior European leaders, a U.S. official said.
Türkiye’s Trade Minister Omer Bolat said Friday that discussions in Washington with U.S. officials have strengthened efforts to expand bilateral trade, moving closer to a $100 billion target.
Lebanon is prepared to demarcate its border with Syria, President Joseph Aoun said on Friday, while noting that the dispute over the Shebaa Farms could be addressed at a later stage.
Greek farmers blocked the Port of Thessaloniki on Friday (12 December) as part of nationwide protests demanding delayed European Union subsidies and compensation for rising production costs and livestock losses.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment