Israel continued its third day of strikes in southern Lebanon on Wednesday following the death of a senior Hezbollah commander in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut. Lebanon’s health minister reported high casualties from the strikes, including 569 deaths and 1,835 wounded.
The United Nations Security Council scheduled a meeting to discuss the conflict, while UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that Lebanon was on the brink of a crisis. US President Joe Biden called for a diplomatic solution, urging against a full-scale war.
Lebanon’s foreign minister criticized Biden’s response, emphasizing that the US was the key to resolving the conflict. The situation has led to mass displacement, with up to half a million people seeking shelter in Lebanon. Israeli strikes have targeted civilian areas, leading to widespread fear and instability.
Efforts by the US, Qatar, and Egypt to negotiate a ceasefire between Israel, Hezbollah, and Hamas have so far been unsuccessful. Iran’s President called for an end to Israel’s actions in Lebanon. Meanwhile, Israel’s Prime Minister vowed to continue offensive operations against Hezbollah.
The conflict has affected not only Lebanon but also Syria, with Israeli missiles targeting Syrian cities. The escalation of violence has led to funerals for those killed in the bombings, highlighting the human cost of the ongoing conflict. The international community remains concerned about the situation and is urging for a peaceful resolution to prevent further destabilization in the region.
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