The conflict between Israel and Lebanon has escalated drastically with the latest tensions resulting from airstrikes and the tragic casualties of United Nations peacekeepers. On November 7, 2024, Israeli drones conducted strikes in Sidon, southern Lebanon, marking the continuation of hostilities which have seen Hezbollah and Israeli forces engaged since late September.
According to reports, the United Nations peacekeeping force, known as UNIFIL, announced on Thursday evening the wounding of at least five of its members as well as the deaths of three civilians due to the Israeli drone strikes. This incident struck when UNIFIL was transporting newly arrived peacekeepers to the region.
Hezbollah's activities are the backdrop for this uptick of violence. Tensions began noticeably to rise when Hezbollah launched missile attacks targeting Israeli military facilities, including locations near the main international airport. Israel's retaliation has since expanded operations beyond the Gaza Strip, as it also seeks to secure its northern border against Hezbollah's influence.
The crossfire has led to significant civilian suffering. Eyewitness accounts indicate chilling scenes as people fled for their lives during the early morning hours of the airstrikes, with one local taxi driver recounting how people scrambled with their luggage, clearly shaken by the blasts near the airport.
Lebanon's government issued strong condemnations against Israel, accusing it of deliberately targeting UN peacekeeping forces, as it has repeatedly over recent months. "We are not dealing solely with military forces but civilians who are barely managing their lives amid this chaos," said Lebanon's foreign ministry, highlighting the increasing disregard for peacekeepers and the innocents caught within the violence.
Reports also indicate heavy damage to infrastructure and homes, exacerbated by prior conflicts. Residents of southern Lebanon, particularly those near the border, have expressed despair, with one individual stating, "Death has become a matter of luck. We can either die or survive," reflecting the continuous uncertainty of their lives.
The UN peacekeeping agency has reiterated its calls for all parties involved to respect the safety of civilians and humanitarian efforts. UNIFIL emphasized the necessity of adhering to international laws and ensuring the protection of those working to maintain some level of stability.
Contextually, the humanitarian crisis has intensified since the onset of the Gaza war. The civilian toll within Gaza continues to rise, with reports indicating over 43,000 deaths since the beginning of the conflict. Strikes have targeted not just Hezbollah, but have led to devastating losses among civilians, particularly at shelters meant for those displaced by the fighting.
Interestingly enough, the current political upheavals also add complexity to the situation. The outcome of recent ballots, perceived by some as possibly renewing prospects of peace, has been met with skepticism by leaders like Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem, who underscored the group's military readiness should the conflict persist.
On the heels of the US presidential elections, the Biden administration indicated intentions to mediate peace, but many Lebanese believe substantive change is unattainable without addressing the deeply rooted grievances between Israel and its neighbors. Observers suggest the new leadership could provide new frameworks for negotiations, yet existing tensions complicate these possible avenues.
Meanwhile, amid all of this turmoil, various international humanitarian organizations are calling for immediate assistance to meet the growing need for shelter, healthcare, and food supplies, particularly as freezing winter approaches. Winter typically worsens conditions for displaced families who are already sheltering under precarious conditions.
When it rains, it pours for Lebanon, where residents are caught between the hammer of military operations and the sickle of economic collapse—growing inflation and poverty amplify the distress felt by many. Food prices have reportedly doubled since October 2023, leaving many on the brink of famine as resources dwindle.
Despite the oscillation of hope for peace talks intermittently crossing over, the current outlook seems grim. The world watches as the conflict ravages communities and devastates infrastructure. The experiences of everyday civilians serve as stark reminders of the human cost of war.
This conflict not only reshapes the geopolitical map of the region but redefines the nature of resilience among those who withstand the unyielding storm, as they crave peace against all odds. How this latest chapter will affect their futures remains potentially perilous and uncertain.
