Israel has intensified its ground operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, deploying thousands of soldiers to the region, according to official reports.
These “limited, localized, targeted operations” have led to the destruction of missile launchers, tunnels, and a Hezbollah compound used for weapon storage, which Israel claims posed a direct threat to its citizens.
The escalation has resulted in the deaths of 36 people over the past day, as confirmed by Lebanese authorities. In retaliation, Hezbollah reportedly fired over 100 missiles into northern Israel.
Hezbollah’s deputy leader, Naim Qassem, stated that Iran has been a critical supporter of the group and the broader “resistance” in the region. He remarked that the Iran-backed group is changing “the face of the Middle East” through its operations in Lebanon and Palestine.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced a diplomatic tour of Saudi Arabia and neighboring countries to garner regional support against what he referred to as Israeli “crimes.” Araghchi stressed that while Iran is not seeking war, it is fully prepared to respond if provoked.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported that nearly 250,000 people have fled Lebanon, with many crossing into Syria. Among them are thousands of Syrians who had previously escaped conflict in their homeland.
This ongoing conflict has caused widespread devastation and displacement as the violence between Hezbollah and Israel continues to escalate.
