The ongoing conflict has forcibly displaced tens of thousands of people from their homes on both sides of the frontier between Israel and Lebanon. In response to this escalating situation, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the urgent need to prevent further escalation during a phone call with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Monday.
Displaced citizens in Lebanon
Furthermore, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller reported that Blinken and Herzog discussed diplomatic efforts to facilitate the return of displaced citizens. They also explored ongoing initiatives to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, including the release of hostages held there.
Tragically, an Israeli drone strike in southern Lebanon on Monday resulted in two fatalities and three injuries. The Lebanese civil defence reported that the wounded included an infant, although they did not clarify whether the deceased were fighters or civilians. Notably, this incident marked the first fatalities in Lebanon since the conflict flared up on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military confirmed it had downed a drone that crossed into Western Galilee from Lebanon, further intensifying tensions in the region.
Conflict’s impact goes beyond border
The conflict’s impact has extended beyond the immediate area, affecting international travel as well. Consequently, officials have cancelled or delayed flights at Beirut’s international airport due to concerns over potential Israeli retaliation.
Since October, both Israel and Hezbollah have engaged in intermittent clashes. However, both parties have shown a mutual desire to avoid a full-scale war. In fact, Hezbollah denied responsibility for a recent rocket attack that resulted in casualties, stating that it had instead targeted a military position in the Golan Heights. It’s worth noting that Israel seized this area from Syria during the 1967 Middle East war and later annexed it, though the international community does not widely recognize this claim.
As the situation remains volatile, diplomatic efforts continue. The international community is closely watching these developments, hoping for a peaceful resolution. In the meantime, thousands of displaced individuals yearn for stability and safety as both sides navigate this complex conflict.
With inputs from Reuters
