UN aid chief Tom Fletcher addressed the UN Security Council from Beirut on Tuesday, highlighting a critical escalation in the ongoing conflict. He reported that 51 primary healthcare centers and four hospitals have closed due to hostilities. Others are either damaged or functioning at reduced capacity. Fletcher urged the international community to prepare for possible new occupied territories as displacement intensifies.
International Response to Israel’s Actions in Lebanon
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned Israel’s ground troop deployment in Lebanon, labeling it an “illegal invasion” that violates Lebanon’s sovereignty. He noted that the Lebanese government is actively working against Hezbollah to address threats to Israel.
In a joint statement, foreign ministers from 10 European countries, including the UK, France, and Italy, along with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, called on Israel to refrain from expanding its military operations. They emphasized respect for Lebanon’s territorial integrity and expressed full support for the Lebanese government and its people.
- The ministers attributed the current situation to Hezbollah’s actions.
- They urged Hezbollah to cease attacks aligned with Iran against Israel.
Hezbollah and Southern Lebanon
Southern Lebanon is home to Hezbollah’s primary support base among Lebanon’s Shia Muslim community, along with other religious groups, including Christians. The latest invasion by Israel has raised widespread alarm within the Lebanese populace.
The ceasefire agreement that ended the war in 2024 mandated Hezbollah’s disarmament and vacating of southern positions, a process meant to be supervised by the Lebanese government and military. While some progress has been made, it remains incomplete.
- Despite the ceasefire, Israel retains military posts in the south.
- Regular attacks on purported Hezbollah targets continue.
Efforts by the Lebanese government to disarm Hezbollah have been hindered by a lack of capability. The potential for major confrontations between the Lebanese state and Hezbollah raises concerns over a return to civil war.
Israel’s actions have drawn criticism, with Katz stating that the Lebanese government has done “nothing” regarding Hezbollah. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun labeled Israeli plans as “collective punishment of civilians” and suggested they may be part of broader motives to expand Israel’s territory in Lebanon.
