Israel has escalated its bombardment of northern Gaza and southern Lebanon, deepening the conflict with Iran-aligned militant groups across the region. The latest developments come as Palestinian officials reported at least 19 people killed in a mosque bombing in Gaza, and the situation shows no signs of abating. The conflict began with Israel’s October 7 attack on Gaza, which killed 1,200 people, and has since spread to Lebanon, where Hezbollah has been trading fire with Israel.
The Israeli military has set up a forward operating base close to a UN peacekeeping mission on the border in southern Lebanon, putting peacekeepers at risk. The UN has refused Israel’s request to vacate some positions ahead of the ground incursion. In Gaza, Israel has launched a new air and ground operation in the Jabaliya refugee camp, where up to 300,000 people are estimated to remain. The military has said that three soldiers were severely wounded in Sunday’s fighting, and has called for the complete evacuation of the area.
Resident Samia Khader described the desperation of fleeing once again, saying, “This is the 12th time that I and my children, eight individuals, have been homeless and thrown into the streets and do not know where to go.” The Civil Defence said it recovered three bodies, including a woman and a child, after a strike hit a home in the Shati refugee camp. French President Emmanuel Macron called for an immediate ceasefire and an embargo on Israeli arms exports, prompting an angry response from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Israel’s War on Iran-aligned Militant Groups Intensifies (Image via Getty)
Macron’s office insisted that “France is Israel’s unfailing friend” and called Netanyahu’s remarks “excessive”. Later on Sunday, the two leaders spoke and agreed to promote a dialogue on the matter. The escalating conflict risks drawing in the United States, which has provided crucial military and diplomatic support to Israel. While the rhetoric between the two sides has been heated, the reality is that the conflict shows no signs of abating, with both sides digging in for a long and bloody struggle.
The situation is increasingly dire, with civilians on both sides being caught in the crossfire. The Lebanese government has reported over 30 strikes overnight, with more than 130 projectiles crossing into Israeli territory. The Beirut suburbs have been hit by new air strikes, with civilians describing a night of terror. One strike killed three sisters and their aunt in the coastal village of Jiyyeh. The unfolding crisis has far-reaching implications, not only for the region but also for the global community.
As the conflict continues to escalate, it remains to be seen how the international community will respond. Will increased diplomatic efforts be enough to revive the faltering peace process, or will the situation continue to deteriorate? The current situation is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of conflict, and the importance of finding a lasting solution to the region’s ongoing crises.
