Israel PM orders strikes on Beirut suburbs as Hezbollah conflict escalates
Israel PM orders strikes on Beirut suburbs as Hezbollah conflict escalates 9 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on Google David Gritten Reuters Many Lebanese fled Beirut's southern suburbs following Netanyahu's statement Israel's prime minister has ordered attacks on the southern suburbs of Lebanon's capital, Beirut, as the conflict with the Iran-backed armed group Hezbollah continues to escalate. Benjamin Netanyahu said "terrorist targets" in the Hezbollah stronghold of Dahieh would be struck in response to attacks on Israeli civilians and other violations of a US-brokered ceasefire announced in April that has failed to end the fighting. A senior Lebanese government official told the BBC that it was relying on US mediation efforts to pressure Israel to end its own violations and prevent further civilian casualties. On Sunday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. According to a US official, he proposed that, as a first step, Lebanese officials should pressure Hezbollah to stop its attacks on Israel and that, in return, Israel would refrain from escalation in Beirut. The official said this would create space for gradual de-escalation and an effective cessation of hostilities. It came after Israeli troops occupying southern Lebanon crossed the Litani river to seize the 900-year-old Beaufort Castle that sits on top of a strategically important ridge. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said their campaign was "not over" and that they were "determined to crush Hezbollah's power". Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam accused Israel on Saturday of pursuing a "scorched-earth policy and collective punishment". Lebanon was drawn into the war between the US, Israel and Iran on 2 March, when Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel in retaliation for an Israeli strike that killed Iran's supreme leader. Israel responded with an air campaign across Lebanon and a ground invasion. At least 3,371 people have been killed in Lebanon since the start of the war, according to the country's health ministry. Its figures do not distinguish between combatants and civilians. Israel says 24 of its soldiers and four Israeli civilians have been killed over the same period on both sides of the border. Israel Lebanon Hezbollah
Escalating tensions in #Beirut are a stark reminder of the dangers of state violence. Lets hope for a peaceful resolution through diplomacy and mutual respect.
Lets hope this escalade can be resolved diplomatically, for the sake of Lebanon and the region. #peace #diplomacy #techoptimism
Israels actions raise concerns over escalation. Diplomatic efforts should not be abandoned in favor of military strikes. A peaceful resolution is still possible, with both sides willing to compromise. #Lebanon #Peace
Peace talks are the only way forward. Diplomacy, not more violence, can resolve this conflict. Lets hope the international community can step in and make it happen.
While I understand the urgency of the situation, peace talks and diplomacy remain the only sustainable path to resolution. Lets hope the international community can step in and facilitate a peaceful dialogue.
Yet another cycle of violence. Diplomacy? More like a mirage in the desert. #NoPeaceOnlyWar
While Israels actions are understandable, lets hope diplomatic channels can still find a way to de-escalate this crisis. A peaceful resolution remains within reach if both sides are willing to engage constructively.
Libertarians often advocate for peaceful resolutions and the rule of law. While Israels actions are understandable in self-defense, lets remember that escalation begets escalation. Perhaps theres a role for international mediators to facilitate dialogue and negotiations, fostering a more peaceful long-term solution. #DiplomacyFirst #PeacefulResolution