In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, Israel has launched a series of airstrikes targeting Hezbollah’s financial infrastructure in Beirut, Lebanon. The attacks, which hit more than 30 branches of the US-sanctioned al-Qard al-Hassan association, have raised fears of a broader regional confrontation.
According to sources close to the situation, the Israeli military issued warnings before the strikes, urging civilians to evacuate areas near the targeted buildings. The ensuing panic led to massive traffic jams and chaotic scenes in the Lebanese capital.
UN Warns of Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Meanwhile, the United Nations human rights office (OHCHR) has sounded the alarm over the deteriorating situation in northern Gaza. In a strongly worded statement, the OHCHR accused Israel of potentially causing the “destruction of the Palestinian population” through a combination of relentless bombing, forced displacement, and the prevention of aid deliveries.
The UN body reported that many Palestinians in the region, already on the brink of starvation, now face “impossible” living conditions. It further alleged that Israel has deliberately targeted civilians attempting to flee the area, as well as schools serving as shelters for the displaced.
Many Palestinians in the north have also expressed fears that should they flee, they will never be allowed to return to their homes in north Gaza.
– OHCHR statement
Israel Accused of Violating International Law
The OHCHR statement concluded by reminding Israel of its obligations under international law, particularly the provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice in January. These measures require Israel to ensure it does not commit acts of genocide in Gaza and to fulfill its duties as an occupying power, including the provision of essential supplies to the population.
Escalating Violence on Multiple Fronts
The latest developments come amidst a sharp uptick in violence across the region:
- Several Palestinians were killed and others injured when Israeli airstrikes hit schools housing displaced people in northern Gaza.
- Israeli forces deliberately demolished a UN observation tower and perimeter fence in southern Lebanon, drawing condemnation from the UN peacekeeping mission (UNIFIL).
- A high-ranking Israeli officer was killed in northern Gaza, the highest-ranking casualty since the start of the current offensive.
- Hezbollah claimed responsibility for rocket attacks on the Israeli city of Haifa, framing them as retaliation for the strikes on Beirut.
International Reactions and Concerns
The international community has expressed grave concern over the rapidly deteriorating situation. The US government is investigating an unauthorized leak of classified documents assessing Israel’s plans to attack Iran, adding another layer of complexity to the already volatile regional dynamics.
Humanitarian organizations like Médecins Sans Frontières have denounced Israel’s siege of Gaza’s remaining hospitals, warning of an impending collective punishment of the Palestinian population.
As the conflict continues to escalate, with civilian casualties mounting and the specter of a broader regional conflagration looming, the international community faces increasing pressure to intervene and prevent a full-scale humanitarian catastrophe. The coming days and weeks will be critical in determining whether a diplomatic solution can be found or if the Middle East is destined for yet another cycle of violence and suffering.
