Post by : Rameen Ariff

Israel carried out a series of airstrikes on southern Lebanon on Thursday, targeting areas including Jbaa, Mahrouna, Majadal, and Baraasheet, as tensions with the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah continue. The Israeli military said the strikes focused on Hezbollah weapons storage facilities, claiming the militant group operates from within civilian areas.

The attacks came just a day after Lebanese and Israeli civilian representatives held direct talks for the first time in decades. The discussions, facilitated by the UN peacekeeping force in Naqura, aimed to monitor and implement the November 2024 ceasefire that was supposed to end over a year of hostilities. Despite the truce, Israel has maintained a military presence in five strategic areas of southern Lebanon and continued air operations in recent weeks.

The visit of Pope Leo XIV from Sunday to Tuesday briefly eased the intensity of Israeli airstrikes. During his visit, the pontiff urged an end to hostilities and called for peace in the region, highlighting the humanitarian toll of continued conflict. However, hostilities resumed on Thursday, with Israel warning it would strike further Hezbollah military infrastructure in southern towns.

Local officials reported significant damage to civilian property. Yassir Madi, a local authority in Jbaa, told journalists that “everyone is living in shock,” noting that nearly every window within 300 metres of the strike had shattered. Residents described the strikes as a frightening reminder of the ongoing instability in the region.

The Israeli military defended its operations, stating that Hezbollah deliberately uses Lebanese civilians as human shields and continues to store weapons within populated areas. The strikes, it said, targeted only terrorist infrastructure and were conducted with precise military objectives.

Lebanon’s government has pledged to disarm Hezbollah, but the group has consistently rejected the calls, fueling fears of expanded Israeli military action. President Joseph Aoun announced that another round of talks with Israel is scheduled for December 19, emphasizing that dialogue, not warfare, must prevail. Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam clarified that the discussions are limited to implementing the ceasefire, ensuring the release of Lebanese hostages, and securing the full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory.

International actors have closely monitored the developments. The United States has urged Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah and encouraged direct engagement between the two neighbours. US envoy Morgan Ortagus attended the recent talks, which also included representatives from France, the UN, and the ceasefire monitoring committee. France welcomed the discussions, underlining its commitment to promoting de-escalation and stability in the region.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office described the talks as “positive,” noting an agreement to explore potential economic cooperation. However, Israel stressed that any progress is contingent on Hezbollah’s disarmament. The situation remains delicate, with Lebanon and Israel technically still at war since 1948, and both sides maintaining strict limits on diplomatic engagement.

The renewed airstrikes underline the fragility of peace in southern Lebanon, as civilian populations bear the brunt of military operations while international efforts seek to maintain dialogue and prevent further escalation.

#Global News