Israel’s Military Pounds Gaza and Lebanon Amid Heightened Tensions
As the anniversary of last year’s devastating attack by Hamas on Israel approaches, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is confident that his country’s military has "completely transformed reality" in the region. In a speech to troops, Netanyahu praised the military’s efforts and vowed that Israel will win the ongoing conflicts with militants in Gaza and Lebanon, and is preparing to strike Iran.
The past year has seen a surge in violence, with Israel intensifying its military action against Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza. In recent days, rockets have been fired from northern Gaza into Israel, prompting retaliatory strikes that have killed 17 people, including nine children. Lebanon has also been hit by Israeli airstrikes, with the National News Agency reporting that over 30 strikes have hit Hezbollah’s stronghold in Beirut.
The Israeli military has encircled the northern area of Jabaliya in Gaza, which it claims is a hotbed of militant activity. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has launched drone attacks on Israel, and Iran has threatened to respond to any possible Israeli attack.
The conflict has led to a humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, with over 1,110 people killed and hundreds of thousands displaced. The UN has warned of a "terrible crisis" in the country, and numerous countries, including Australia, the US, Brazil, China, and Russia, have been evacuating their nationals from Lebanon.
Despite the dire situation, Netanyahu remains determined to crush Hamas and destroy its infrastructure. In a speech to troops, he vowed to "crush… and destroy" Hamas, and praised the military’s efforts in transforming the region.
The international community has called for a ceasefire, with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati appealing to the international community to put pressure on Israel to end the violence. UN refugee agency head Filippo Grandi has warned that Lebanon faces a "terrible crisis" and called for an end to the fighting.
As the situation continues to deteriorate, it remains to be seen whether a ceasefire can be brokered and a deal reached to free the 97 hostages still held by Hamas.
