Israel-Hamas Conflict: Intensive Strikes Rock Lebanon, Amid International Calls for Restraint

Israel’s military has unleashed a barrage of airstrikes against Hezbollah targets in southern and eastern Lebanon, warning civilians to stay away from the conflict zone as international pressure mounts for restraint. The escalation comes amidst a nearly year-long tit-for-tat border exchange with Hezbollah, with hundreds killed on both sides.

Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, Israel’s military spokesperson, made a rare public appeal to the Lebanese public, urging them to move away from potential targets and warning of more strikes to come. Hezbollah, a powerful political and military force in Lebanon, claims it is acting in support of Hamas, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the group of provoking the military response.

The Israeli strikes, the most intense since the start of the war in Gaza, have reportedly killed 45 people, including many civilians, in Lebanon. Hezbollah has acknowledged the death of one of its fighters, but gave no details. The strikes have also left dozens wounded, and forced the closure of schools and hospitals.

As international powers urge a ceasefire, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati appealed to the UN and "influential countries" to prevent what he called Israel’s "destructive plan" from destroying Lebanese villages and towns. Meanwhile, Russia expressed "extreme concern" over the escalating tensions, while the European Union, Britain, and China all called for a peaceful resolution.

In a stark warning, United Nations chief Antonio Guterres warned of Lebanon becoming "another Gaza" if the violence continues, noting that both sides seem unlikely to reach a ceasefire.

The escalation comes as tensions between Israel and Hamas continue to simmer. Israeli leaders aim to "degrade" Hezbollah’s capabilities, push them back from the border, and destroy infrastructure built near the border by Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force.

Hezbollah, for its part, has targeted Israeli military production facilities and an air base in Haifa, as part of what it calls an "initial response". The Israeli military claims it has killed hundreds of Hamas fighters, while Hezbollah has vowed to continue its fight against Israeli aggression.

The conflict has already led to the deaths of at least 1,205 people, mostly civilians, in Gaza, and the displacement of tens of thousands on both sides. With the international community urging restraint, the Israeli military continues its aerial campaign, and Hezbollah vows to resist Israeli aggression, the stakes for regional stability could not be higher.