On Monday, Israel launched widespread airstrikes across Lebanon, targeting areas in Beirut and Tyre. In Tyre, 12 people were killed, adding to the staggering death toll of over 3,700 Lebanese lives lost during the two-month conflict. In Beirut, Israeli attacks hit commercial and residential zones, with strikes occurring near a police base and the city's largest public park.
Israel justified its actions by targeting Hezbollah strongholds and issued evacuation orders for southern Beirut. The Israeli conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon has reached a decisive turning point, as airstrikes surged even as diplomatic efforts at a cease fire accelerated in the last day. Hezbollah returned with one of its largest missile barrages, firing 250 rockets into Israel over the weekend. The missile barrages killed 45 Israeli civilians and 73 soldiers and wrought significant damage in northern Israel and in the Golan Heights.
Advances in Ceasefire Negotiations
Despite the violence, however, it appears that there are chances for a ceasefire. Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Mike Herzog said that the deal may be finalized in days, but some issues are still unresolved. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet will discuss the proposal, which includes the pulling of troops by Israel from southern Lebanon and replacement by regular Lebanese soldiers there. The deal has been brokered by the U.S., and it advocates a five country committee chaired by the U.S. and to be headed by France to observe compliance. Lebanese Deputy Parliament Speaker Elias Bou Saab expressed optimism arguing that there had not appeared any serious obstacles in front of the implementation of the ceasefire unless Netanyahu changes his standpoint.
Obstacles to Peace
But not everyone is happy with the agreement. Far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir rejected it, calling it a "big mistake" and a "missed historic opportunity to erase Hezbollah." Violence continues in the reigion, which makes many also question the sustainability of the ceasefire. Israeli airstrikes have reportedly killed at least 29 in the central part of Beirut, showing no signs of letting up.
Humanitarian Casualties of the War
The human cost of the war is staggering. In Lebanon, Israeli strikes since October 2023 have displaced over one million people and killed 3,768. In Israel, Hezbollah attacks have claimed dozens of civilian and military lives.
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