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World leaders urge Israel to halt Lebanon offensive amid escalating conflict

On 1 October 2024, Israel launched airstrikes on southern Lebanon, killing at least 95 people and injuring 172. The attacks, aimed at Hezbollah’s military infrastructure, have sparked international concern. World leaders, including US President Joe Biden, are calling for a ceasefire, warning that further escalation could lead to a regional catastrophe.

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Israel launched a series of airstrikes and artillery bombardments on southern Lebanon, resulting in the deaths of at least 95 people and injuries to 172 others.

The attacks, which began early on Tuesday (1 Oct), are part of Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militant group that operates in Lebanon.

The strikes were aimed at Hezbollah’s military infrastructure in the region and marked a significant escalation in the hostilities between Israel and the group.

According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the military operation is “limited, localized, and targeted.”

The goal of the operation, according to IDF statements, is to protect Israeli citizens, particularly those residing in northern Israel, and to facilitate the return of displaced residents to their homes.

This development comes amid a growing concern in the international community over the potential for a broader regional conflict, with multiple world leaders calling for a ceasefire and urging Israel to refrain from launching a ground invasion into Lebanon.

US President Joe Biden called on Israel to avoid a ground campaign in southern Lebanon during a press event at the White House on Monday (30 Sept).

Biden, while stressing the need for an immediate ceasefire, did not elaborate on any specific US actions or plans to halt the conflict.

In response to a reporter’s question, Biden expressed his awareness of the situation, stating, “I am more aware than you might know, and I am comfortable with them stopping.”

Belgium’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hadja Lahbib, also expressed deep concern over the violence, particularly the loss of civilian lives.

Lahbib emphasized the importance of respecting international law, suggesting that the current crises in both Gaza and Lebanon are intertwined.

She warned that a failure to address these issues could lead to a dangerous regional escalation.

The UK’s Secretary of State for Foreign, David Lammy, added his voice to the growing international calls for a ceasefire.

Following discussions with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Lammy reiterated the need for a political solution to the crisis.

He stressed the importance of implementing a plan that would allow displaced Israeli and Lebanese civilians to return to their homes.

European Union Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell underscored the need to avoid further military intervention in Lebanon, cautioning that any such actions could dramatically worsen the situation.

“Any further military intervention would dramatically aggravate the situation, and it has to be avoided.”

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also weighed in, urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to prevent any regional escalation.

Modi highlighted the importance of ensuring the safe release of hostages and expressed India’s commitment to supporting efforts to restore peace and stability.

UN experts warn of regional catastrophe amid escalating Israel-Lebanon conflict

UN experts warned on Monday (30 Sept) that the escalating conflict between Israel and Lebanon could lead to a regional humanitarian and geopolitical catastrophe.

The experts expressed deep concern over the intensifying violence, with Hezbollah launching missiles indiscriminately and Israel responding with large-scale airstrikes across Lebanon.

This surge in violence is exacerbating instability and civilian suffering, particularly in Lebanon and Palestine.

The experts condemned Israel’s use of destructive force in Lebanon, similar to its actions in Gaza.

They criticised Israel for justifying attacks on civilians by claiming Hezbollah fighters hide among them, using civilians as human shields.

The experts argued that the airstrikes in densely populated areas, where residential buildings are being destroyed with little warning, violate international humanitarian law and could amount to domicide, or the mass destruction of homes.

They also highlighted the ongoing violence against Palestinians, calling it a genocidal campaign.

Referring to a recent explosion of booby-trapped electronic devices in Lebanon that caused widespread casualties, the experts condemned those who praised such tactics, calling them criminal.

The experts further warned that double standards in condemning terror while granting impunity threaten the global democratic order.

They stressed the need to address fundamental issues fueling the violence, including the illegal occupation of Palestine, arms supplies to non-state actors, and extrajudicial killings.

The experts called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged the UN Security Council to take swift action.

They emphasised the need to protect civilians, investigate crimes, and strengthen the UN’s presence in the region to prevent further escalation.

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International

Iran fires 180 missiles at Israel in response to escalating tensions

Iran fired 180 missiles at Israel on Tuesday (1 Oct), claiming it was retaliation for Israeli airstrikes and assassinations of key figures in Gaza, Lebanon, and Tehran. Most missiles were intercepted, but Israel vowed retaliation. The United States condemned the attack as a “significant escalation,” heightening concerns of a broader conflict.

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2 October 2024

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Iran launched a large-scale missile attack against Israel on Tuesday (1 Oct), escalating tensions in the already volatile region.

According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), around 180 projectiles were fired at Israel, prompting a coordinated missile defence effort with the United States.

Israel’s military spokesman, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, confirmed that the nation’s air defences successfully intercepted the majority of the Iranian missiles.

However, some projectiles reached central and southern Israel, causing minor injuries to two civilians.

In the West Bank, Palestinian officials reported the death of a Palestinian man near Jericho after being struck by a missile, though it remains unclear which side was responsible for that particular strike.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed the strike, stating that it targeted “vital military and security installations.”

Iran claimed that Tuesday’s missile strikes were in retaliation for the recent deaths of key figures from Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Iranian military.

It specifically referenced Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Revolutionary Guard General Abbas Nilforushan, both of whom were killed in an Israeli airstrike last week in Beirut.

The operation also cited the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was reportedly killed in Tehran in a suspected Israeli attack in July.

In response to the missile strikes, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Iran had made a “big mistake” and would face severe consequences for the attack.

“Iran made a big mistake tonight—and it will pay for it,” Netanyahu said.

“The regime in Iran does not understand our determination to defend ourselves and retaliate against our enemies.”

His remarks strongly signaled that Israeli retaliation was imminent, increasing concerns about a potential spiral into a broader regional war.

Iran defended its actions, with President Masoud Pezeshkian posting on social media that the missile strikes were a defensive response to Israeli provocations.

“Let Netanyahu know that Iran is not a belligerent, but it stands firmly against any threat. This is only a corner of our power,” Pezeshkian stated, warning Israel not to enter into further conflict with Iran.

On the international front, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan characterized Iran’s attack as a significant escalation, but noted that it had been effectively neutralized by Israel’s missile defense systems.

“At this point this attack appears to have been defeated and ineffective,” Sullivan remarked, though he acknowledged the seriousness of the situation.

US President Joe Biden reiterated the United States’ support for Israel, but stressed that his administration was in close consultation with Israeli officials to determine an appropriate response.

“We’re going to get all the data straight,” Biden said.

“We’re in constant contact with the Israeli government and our counterparts, and that remains to be seen.”

Iran’s mission to the United Nations issued a statement on Wednesday (2 Oct) defending its missile operation as a “legal, rational, and legitimate response” to Israel’s actions.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the mission warned that any retaliatory actions by Israel would trigger a more severe Iranian response.

“Should the Zionist regime dare to respond or commit further acts of malevolence, a subsequent and crushing response will ensue,” the mission stated.

The message also advised other regional actors and supporters of Israel to distance themselves from the Israeli government.

Military bases in Tel Aviv, targeted in the strike, have sustained structural damage, according to the IRGC. However, these claims have not been independently verified.

Videos on X (formerly Twitter) show missiles intercepted and hitting ground targets, contrary to Israel’s claim of no damage done.

International reactions have also begun to emerge. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over the continued escalation, calling for an immediate ceasefire. In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), Guterres stated, “This broadening of the Middle East conflict must stop.”

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International

Israeli military launches targeted ground raids in Southern Lebanon against Hezbollah

The Israeli military has launched targeted ground raids against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, supported by airstrikes and artillery. The limited operations aim to dismantle Hezbollah’s military infrastructure near the border as tensions continue to escalate, causing significant casualties and widespread displacement in Lebanon.

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1 October 2024

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Israeli military launches targeted ground raids in Southern Lebanon against Hezbollah

The Israeli military announced the commencement of “targeted ground raids” on villages in southern Lebanon, aiming at Hezbollah positions near the Israeli border.

The raids, backed by airstrikes and artillery, were initiated early on Tuesday (1 Oct)  as part of Israel’s escalating conflict with the Iranian-backed Lebanese militant group.

According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the operations are “limited, localised, and targeted” in nature.

The IDF detailed the military strategy on X (formerly Twitter), stating that the Israeli Air Force and artillery units were providing precise strikes on Hezbollah’s military infrastructure in the region.

The goal of the operation is to protect Israeli citizens, particularly in northern Israel, and to return displaced residents to their homes.

““The IDF is continuing to operate to achieve the goals of the war and is doing everything necessary to defend the citizens of Israel and return the citizens of northern Israel to their homes,” IDF stated on X.

This incursion, approved by Israeli political leaders, represents a new phase in Israel’s ongoing war against Hezbollah.

Lebanon Health Ministry reported that at least 95 people were killed and 172 injured due to the attacks. Officials say more than 1,000 people in Lebanon have been killed in the past two weeks.

Hezbollah’s activity in the region has been an ongoing threat since it began launching low-intensity strikes against Israeli targets shortly after Israel declared war on Hamas last October.

Hezbollah’s actions followed the initial attack by Hamas, a Palestinian group, which triggered Israel’s military operations in Gaza.

Speaking with Al Jazeera, former Israeli Justice Minister Yossi Belin expressed concerns over the scope of the current operation, stating, “I really hope we are talking about a limited ground operation.”

He pointed out that, historically, even limited operations are challenging to control, even if the government’s intentions are to conclude quickly and focus on curtailing Hezbollah’s capabilities.

Earlier on Monday, US officials confirmed reports that Israel had conducted smaller-scale ground raids targeting Hezbollah and that communities along Israel’s northern border had been sealed off.

In a conversation between US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, the two agreed on the necessity of dismantling Hezbollah’s attack infrastructure along the border.

This action was deemed crucial to prevent the possibility of Hezbollah launching attacks similar to the one Hamas carried out on 7 October against southern Israeli communities.

Austin reiterated the importance of a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing conflict to enable civilians on both sides of the border to return home safely.

The Pentagon also noted that the US continues to support efforts to safeguard Israeli citizens while advocating for a de-escalation of the conflict.

Last week, Israel escalated its attacks on Hezbollah, specifically targeting its leadership in Lebanon.

On Friday (27 Sept), an Israeli airstrike killed Hezbollah’s veteran leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in the southern suburbs of Beirut.

Despite this significant blow to its leadership, Hezbollah has continued launching rockets and missiles at Israeli targets.

In the group’s first public statement since Nasrallah’s assassination, Hezbollah’s deputy chief, Naim Qassem, declared on Monday (30 Sept) that Hezbollah was fully prepared for a potential Israeli ground incursion and expressed readiness for a prolonged conflict.

The conflict has resulted in widespread displacement, with over 100,000 people fleeing from Lebanon to Syria in recent weeks as hostilities intensified.

The escalating violence has prompted Lebanon’s acting Prime Minister Najib Mikati to reaffirm his country’s willingness to implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.

This resolution, which was established following the 2006 war, calls for an end to Hezbollah’s armed presence south of the Litani River, a critical component of efforts to maintain peace and prevent further conflict with Israel.

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