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Tag: Lebanon

  • Israel Fires At 3 UNIFIL Positions In Southern Lebanon, UN: Report | world news

    Israel-Lebanon Conflict: Israeli troops opened fire at three positions held by UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon on Thursday, news agency Reuters reported, citing a UN source. The source, however, was not immediately able to specify the type of fire.

    As per the UN source, one of the locations fired at was the United Nations Interim Force’s (UNIFIL) main base at Naqoura. There was no official statement or comment from UNIFIL from the Israeli military following the attack. The UNIFIL has a 900-member Indian contingent in South Lebanon.

    Earlier, Hezbollah had said that it had targeted an Israeli tank with guided missiles while it was advancing to the border area of ​​Ras al-Naqoura, before attacking an Israeli force with a missile salvo while the force was trying to pull injured soldiers out of the area.

    On Sunday, UNIFIL said that it was “deeply concerned by recent activities” by the Israeli military near a peacekeeper position in southwestern Lebanon.

    UNIFIL is deeply concerned by recent activities by the IDF immediately adjacent to the Mission’s position 6-52, southeast of Marun ar Ras (Sector West), inside Lebanese territory.

    The IDF has been repeatedly informed of this ongoing situation through regular channels.

    — UNIFIL (@UNIFIL_) October 6, 2024

    It did not give more details, but stated that the activities were dangerous and that it was “unacceptable to compromise the safety of UN peacekeepers carrying out their Security Council-mandated tasks.”

    In a letter to Israel’s military dated October 3, UNIFIL had objected to Israeli military vehicles and troops positioning themselves “in immediate proximity” to UN positions, “thereby endangering the safety and security of UNIFIL personnel and premises,” according to Reuters.

    (With Reuters Inputs)

  • Khamenei Declares October 7 Attack On Israel ‘Legitimate’ In Bold Public Appearance Amid Rising War Threats world news

    Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, declared that Israel ‘will not last long’ during a rare Friday sermon at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla Mosque. Speaking to tens of thousands of supporters, Khamenei led the Friday prayers for the first time in years. This marked his first public appearance since Iran launched 180 ballistic missiles at Israel.

    Massive crowd in attendance at the Grand Mosalla Mosque was seen waving flags of Palestine, Hezbollah, and Lebanon. With a gun by his side, Iran’s Supreme Leader declared that Israel would not succeed against Hamas or Hezbollah. In response to which the crowd in the mosque chanted ‘we are with you’ throughout the grounds.

    As tensions escalate in the region, Israel, backed by the United States, has vowed to retaliate against the recent missile barrage. Ayatollah Khamenei’s first Friday sermon in five years serves as a significant display of defiance amid ongoing threats to his life.

    In his speech, Khamenei also commended Hassan Nasrallah, the former leader of the Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut last week.

    “Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah may no longer be with us, but his spirit and legacy will continue to inspire us indefinitely. He was a prominent symbol of resistance against the Zionist enemy. His martyrdom will only enhance this influence. The loss of Nasrallah will not be in vain. We must unite against the enemy while fortifying our unwavering faith,” Khamenei told the gathering.

    Iran’s Supreme Leader, who supports the Palestinian Hamas group, described their October 7 attacks on Israel as a “correct move.” He emphasized that no international law should oppose the Lebanese and Palestinians for defending themselves against occupation. Addressing thousands during the 40-minute address, Khamenei described the assault as a legitimate act by the Palestinian people.

    Khamenei, 80, speaking after a prayer ceremony for Nasrallah, characterized Israel as a ‘tool’ of the United States used to exert control over regional lands and resources.

    Khamenei delivered half of his speech in Arabic, directing his remarks specifically to Arab nations.

    “Our resisting people in Lebanon and Palestine, you brave fighters, you loyal and patient people, these martyrdoms and the blood that was shed shouldn’t shake your determination but make you more persistent,” he said.

    Before Khamenei’s speech, a ceremony was held to honor the late Lebanese Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Many top Iranian officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian and senior Revolutionary Guard generals, attended the event. Iran, Hezbollah’s main supporter, has provided the group with weapons and billions of dollars.

    The Iranian leader last led Friday prayers in January 2020, following a missile attack on a US army base in Iraq that was a response to the killing of top Revolutionary Guards commander Qasem Soleimani. Iran continues to support both Hamas and Hezbollah, which are engaged in conflict with Israel on its southern and northern fronts.

  • Israel’s Deadliest Strikes Ever On Lebanon Kill 100; Cause Mass Exodus | world news

    MARJAYOUN: Israeli strikes killed some 100 Lebanese Monday in the deadliest and most intense barrage in nearly a year as the Israeli military warned residents in southern and eastern Lebanon to evacuate their homes ahead of a widening air campaign against Hezbollah. Thousands of Lebanese fled the south, and the main highway out of the southern port city of Sidon was jammed with cars heading toward Beirut in the biggest exodus since the 2006 Israel–Hezbollah war.

    The Israeli military announced that it hit some 300 targets Monday, saying it was going after Hezbollah weapons sites. Some strikes hit in residential areas of towns in the south and the eastern Bekaa Valley. One strike hit a wooded area as far away as Byblos in central Lebanon, more than 80 miles from the border north of Beirut.The military said it was expanding the airstrikes to include areas of the Bekaa Valley, along Lebanon’s eastern border, after targeting more. than 300 sites in southern Lebanon. Israeli military spokesperson Rear Adm.

    Daniel Hagari said residents of the valley must immediately evacuate areas where Hezbollah is storing weapons.Meanwhile, Hezbollah said in a statement that it fired dozens of rockets at an Israeli military post in Galilee. It also targeted for a second day the facilities of the Rafael defense firm, headquartered in Haifa.

    As Israel carried out the attacks, Israeli authorities reported a series of air-raid sirens in northern Israel warning of incoming rocket fire from Lebanon.Earlier Monday, Israel issued a broad warning urging residents of southern Lebanon to evacuate from homes and other buildings where it claimed Hezbollah has stored weapons. It was the first warning of its kind in nearly a year of steadily escalating conflict and came after a particularly heavy exchange of fire on Sunday.

    Hezbollah launched around 150 rockets, missiles and drones into northern Israel in retaliation for strikes that killed a top commander and dozens of fighters.There was no sign of an immediate exodus from the villages of southern Lebanon, and the warning left open the possibility that some residents could live in or near targeted structures without knowing that they are at risk.The increasing strikes and counterstrikes have raised fears of an all-out war, even as Israel is still battling Hamas in Gaza and trying to return scores of hostages taken in Hamas’ Oct. 7 attacks.

    Hezbollah has vowed to continue its strikes in solidarity with the Palestinians and Hamas, a fellow Iran-backed militant group. Israel says it is committed to returning calm to its northern border. Associated Press journalists in southern Lebanon reported heavy airstrikes targeting many areas Monday morning, including some far from the border. Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency said the strikes hit a forested area in the central province of Byblos, about 130 kilometers (81 miles) north of the Israeli-Lebanese border, for the first time since the exchanges began in October. No injuries were reported there.

    The Chief of the General Staff approves strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon from the IDF Headquarters Underground Operations Center. So far, more than 300 Hezbollah targets have been struck today. pic.twitter.com/hbNKWJ8QAs — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) September 23, 2024

    Israel also bombed targets in the northeastern Baalbek and Hermel regions, where a shepherd was killed and two family members were wounded, according to the news agency. It said a total of 30 people were wounded in strikes. The Lebanese Health Ministry asked hospitals in southern Lebanon and the eastern Bekaa valley to postpone surgeries that could be done later. The ministry said in a statement that its request aimed to keep hospitals ready to deal with people wounded by “Israel’s expanding aggression on Lebanon.”

    An Israeli military official said Israel is focused on aerial operations and has no immediate plans for a ground operation. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity in keeping with regulations, said the strikes are aimed at curbing Hezbollah’s ability to launch more strikes into Israel. Lebanese media reported that residents received text messages urging them to move away from any building where Hezbollah stores arms until further notice.

    “If you are in a building housing weapons for Hezbollah, move away from the village until further notice,” the Arabic message reads, according to Lebanese media.Lebanon’s information minister, Ziad Makary, said in a statement that his office in Beirut had received a recorded message telling people to leave the building.

    “This comes in the framework of the psychological war implemented by the enemy,” Makary said, and urged people “not to give the matter more attention than it deserves.” It was not immediately clear how many people would be affected by the Israeli orders. Communities on both sides of the border have largely emptied out because of the near-daily exchanges of fire. Israel has accused Hezbollah of transforming entire communities in the south into militant bases, with hidden rocket launchers and other infrastructure.

    That could lead the Israeli military to wage an especially heavy bombing campaign, even if no ground forces move in.The military said it had targeted more than 150 militant sites early Monday. Residents of different villages in southern Lebanon posted photos on social media of airstrikes and large plumes of smoke. The state-run National News Agency also reported airstrikes on different areas. An Israeli airstrike on a Beirut suburb on Friday killed a top Hezbollah military commander and more than a dozen fighters, as well as dozens of civilians, including women and children.

    Last week, thousands of communications devices, used mainly by Hezbollah members, exploded in different parts of Lebanon, killing 39 people and wounding nearly 3,000. Lebanon blamed Israel for the attacks, but Israel did not confirm or deny any responsibility.Hezbollah began firing into Israel a day after the Oct. 7 attack in what it said was an attempt to pin down Israeli forces to help Palestinian fighters in Gaza.

    Israel has retaliated with airstrikes, and the conflict has steadily intensified over the past year.The fighting has killed hundreds of people in Lebanon, dozens in Israel and displaced tens of thousands on both sides of the border. It has also sparked brush fires that have destroyed agriculture and scarred the landscape.

    Israel has vowed to push Hezbollah back from the border so its citizens can return to their homes, saying it prefers to do so diplomatically but is willing to use force.Hezbollah has said it will keep up its attacks until there is a cease-fire in Gaza, but that appears increasingly elusive as the war nears its anniversary.

    Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting around 250. Some 100 captives are still held in Gaza, a third of whom are believed to be dead, after most of the rest were released during a weeklong cease-fire in November. Israel’s offensive has killed over 41,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between civilians and fighters in its count. It says women and children make up a little over half of those killed. Israel says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence.

  • Israel-Hamas War: Israel Claims Death Of Hezbollah Commander As Beirut Toll Rises | world news

    JERUSALEM: Israel claimed the death of a senior Hezbollah military official after a rare Israeli airstrike on Beirut as the death toll rose Saturday to at least 31 people, with dozens more wounded, shortly after Hezbollah pounded northern Israel with 140 rockets. The strikes are part of a new cycle of escalation between the enemies that has raised fears of a full-out war erupting in the Middle East, particularly after two separate attacks in Lebanon in which communication devices exploded simultaneously around the country, reportedly killing 37 people. and injuring more than 3,400 others.

    Israel and Hezbollah have traded fire regularly since Hamas’ October 7 assault on southern Israel ignited the Israeli military’s devastating offensive in Gaza. Gaza’s Health Ministry says more than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed in the territory during the nearly 1-year-old Israel-Hamas war. The ministry does not differentiate between fighters and civilians in its count but says a little over half of those killed were women and children. Israel says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence.

    Approx. 180 Hezbollah targets and thousands of launcher barrels, ready for immediate use against Israeli civilians, were dismantled by a number of strikes in southern Lebanon.

    The IDF will continue operating to dismantle and degrade Hezbollah’s capabilities and terrorist… pic.twitter.com/lWyQNoydII — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) September 21, 2024

    Here’s the latest:

    White House national security adviser calls reported death of Hezbollah commander a good outcome Wilmington – White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan called the reported death of Ibrahim Akil “a good outcome” and said that he planned to speak with Israeli officials later Saturday about the operation. .

    Akil, the main target of the Friday strike, had been wanted by the US for years for his alleged role in the 1983 bombing of the US Embassy in Beirut and in taking American and German hostages in Lebanon in the 1980s.

    He was under US sanctions and in 2023, the US State Department announced a reward of up to USD 7 million for information leading to his “identification, location, arrest, and/or conviction”. “That individual has American blood on his hands and has a rewards for justice price on his head,” Sullivan told reporters on the sidelines of the Quad summit that US President Joe Biden is hosting in Wilmington, Delaware.

    “He is somebody who the United States promised long ago we would do everything we could to see brought to justice.” Sullivan added the moment was also meaningful for the American victims. “You know 1983 seems like a long time ago,” Sullivan said. “But for a lot of families and a lot of people, they’re still living with it every day.”

    Israeli strike on a school kills 22 people, Gaza Health Ministry says Deir Al-Balah (Gaza Strip) — Israeli fire killed 22 people in a strike on a school in the north of the enclave, the Gaza Health Ministry said on Saturday. The strike on the school in the Zeitoun area of ​​Gaza City injured another 30, the statement said.

    Earlier on Saturday, the Israeli army said it struck a Hamas “command and control centre, which was embedded inside a compound that previously served” as a school. Death toll from Israeli strike on Beirut suburb rises to 31 Beirut — The death toll from an Israeli airstrike on a Beirut suburb has risen to 31, including seven women and three children, Lebanon’s health minister said on Saturday.

    Firass Abiad told reporters that 68 people were also wounded in Friday’s airstrike, of whom 15 remain in hospital, in the deadliest Israeli strike on Beirut since the Israel-Hezbollah war in the summer of 2006. Among the dead was Ibrahim Akil, a Hezbollah commander. who was in charge of the group’s elite Radwan Forces, and about a dozen members of the militant group who were meeting in the basement of the building that was destroyed.

    Israel launched the rare airstrike in the densely populated southern Beirut neighborhood on Friday afternoon during the rush hour when people were returning home from work and students were leaving schools. On Saturday morning, Hezbollah’s media office took journalists to the site of the airstrike where workers were still digging through the rubble.

    Lebanese troops cordoned off the area around the building that was destroyed as members of the Lebanese Red Cross stood nearby to take any recovered bodies from under the rubble. Weaponising ordinary devices violates international law, United Nations rights chief says United Nations — Weaponising ordinary communication devices represents a new development in warfare, and targeting thousands of Lebanese people using pagers, two-way radios and electronic equipment without their knowledge is a violation of international human rights law, the United Nations human rights chief said on Friday.

    Volker Turk told an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council there must be an independent and transparent investigation of the two attacks in Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday where these devices exploded, reportedly killing 37 people and injuring more than 3,400 others. “Those who ordered and carried out these attacks must be held to account,” he said.

    Lebanon has blamed Israel for the attacks, which appeared to target Hezbollah militants but also saw many civilian casualties, including children. Hezbollah has fought many conflicts with Israel, including a war in 2006, and it has conducted near-daily strikes against Israel to support Hamas militants who attacked Israel on October 7.

    When reporters asked Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon about speculation Israel was behind the two explosions, he said: “We are not commenting.

  • Israel Enters ‘New Phase’ In Conflict With Hezbollah, Says Defense Minister world news

    Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has said that Israel has entered a “new phase” in its conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon, following two days of explosions targeting communication devices across Lebanon. Speaking at a military airbase in northern Israel on Wednesday, Gallant said that Israel is “shifting northward by reallocating resources, energy, and forces”, Xinhua news agency reported.

    “We are at the beginning of a new phase in the war — this requires boldness, determination, and perseverance,” Gallant said. He added that the goal is “to return the residents of the northern communities to their homes safely.”

    The announcement came a day after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Security Cabinet decided to expand the conflict’s objectives, aiming to enable displaced Israelis to return to border areas affected by cross-border fighting with Hezbollah. Gallant praised the military’s progress but did not comment on Israel’s alleged role in recent attacks in Lebanon.

    “The IDF is achieving excellent results, along with the Shin Bet, the Mossad, and all other relevant bodies,” he said. Lebanese officials reported that thousands of pagers and handheld radios exploded over two days, killing at least 21 people, including children, and injuring more than 3,000 others. Israel has not claimed responsibility for these incidents.

  • What is Hezbollah And Is Israel Underestimating It? Know All About Its Military Capabilities | world news

    Hezbollah, a Shiite militant group and political party based in Lebanon, has often been a subject of intrigue and controversy. While it is widely recognized for its complex role in the Middle East, there is ongoing debate about the true extent of its military capabilities and influence. Here’s everything you need to know about Hezbollah’s background, its military strength, and whether it is underappreciated in the Middle East.

    Origins and Political Role

    Hezbollah, meaning “Party of God,” was founded in 1982 in response to the Israeli invasion of Lebanon. Established with the support of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, its primary objective was to resist Israeli occupation and promote Shiite interests in Lebanon. Over the decades, Hezbollah has evolved from a purely militant group into a significant political player in Lebanon. It holds a substantial number of seats in Lebanon’s parliament and maintains considerable influence in the country’s political and social spheres.

    Military Capabilities

    Hezbollah’s military prowess is often compared to that of conventional state armies, and it has garnered a reputation for being one of the most formidable non-state actors in the region. Its military capabilities are bolstered by extensive support from Iran, which provides financial assistance, advanced weaponry, and training. Here’s a closer look at its military strength:

    Rockets and Missiles

    Hezbollah’s arsenal includes a vast array of rockets and missiles, some of which are capable of reaching deep into Israeli territory. According to the Indian Express, the group possesses thousands of rockets with varying ranges, including precision-guided munitions. This capability has been demonstrated in previous conflicts, such as the 2006 Lebanon War, where Hezbollah’s rocket fire impacted major Israeli cities.

    Recent assessments indicate that Hezbollah has significantly upgraded its missile technology. Reports suggest that the group now has access to more advanced weaponry, including precision-guided missiles that enhance its ability to target specific locations with greater accuracy. This development has raised concerns about the group’s potential to conduct more precise and devastating strikes.

    Military Structure and Training

    Hezbollah operates with a well-organized military structure, including specialized units trained for various combat scenarios. It has a significant number of fighters who are well-trained in guerrilla warfare, often drawing on tactics honed during years of conflict with Israeli forces and in the Syrian Civil War. The group’s military training is supplemented by support from Iran and, occasionally, from other regional allies.

    Defensive and Offensive Capabilities

    Hezbollah’s defensive capabilities are also noteworthy. The group has fortified its positions in Lebanon, particularly in southern Lebanon, which is a key area of ​​its operations. This includes extensive use of bunkers, tunnels, and other defensive measures designed to withstand Israeli military operations.

    On the offensive side, Hezbollah’s experience in asymmetrical warfare allows it to launch operations that are challenging for conventional forces to counter. This includes the use of drones, sophisticated rocket systems, and a network of operatives skilled in various forms of combat.

    Underestimations and Challenges

    There is ongoing debate about whether Hezbollah’s military power is underestimated. Some analysts argue that Hezbollah’s capabilities are more robust than commonly perceived, particularly given the group’s advancements in missile technology and its ability to sustain prolonged conflict. Others, however, caution that the group’s power should be viewed within the context of its regional alliances and the complex dynamics of Middle Eastern geopolitics.

    According to a recent report by Press TV, Hezbollah’s resistance and defense capabilities have often been underestimated, especially by Western observers. The group’s ability to adapt and evolve its strategies in response to changing military and political landscapes is a testament to its resilience and strategic acumen.

    Hezbollah remains a pivotal and complex actor in the Middle East, with a military capacity that challenges conventional perceptions of non-state actors. Its extensive arsenal, advanced training, and strategic defensive measures contribute to a formidable military presence that is often underestimated in global discussions.

    Understanding Hezbollah’s capabilities is crucial for comprehending the broader dynamics of regional conflict and the ongoing power struggles in the Middle East. As the geopolitical landscape continues to shift, Hezbollah’s military strength and strategic importance will likely remain a significant factor in regional stability and international relations.

  • Israel On High Alert, Announces 48-Hour Nationwide Emergency Amid Hezbollah Airstrikes | world news

    Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has announced a 48-hour nationwide state of emergency starting at 6:00 am local time on Sunday, following preemptive strikes by the Israeli military on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. This emergency declaration is designed to enable the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to carry out essential measures, such as imposing restrictions on public gatherings and shutting down sites considered at risk.

    This move is a reaction to the sharp increase in aggression, with Hezbollah taking responsibility for launching over 320 rockets and multiple drones packed with explosives toward northern Israel. Hezbollah has stated that their attacks were aimed at 11 Israeli military bases, significantly escalating the conflict.

    The state of emergency allows the IDF to provide safety guidelines to civilians, particularly in high-risk areas, as stated by Defense Minister Gallant. He expressed a strong belief in the likelihood of attacks on civilians in regions previously not under special alert and emphasized the importance of the emergency status across the nation.

    The actions of Hezbollah are said to be a direct retaliation for the death of a senior commander, which led Israel to initiate a series of preemptive strikes. IDF Spokesperson Daniel Hagari had earlier alerted the public to Hezbollah’s intentions to target Israeli civilians.

    “We have identified Hezbollah’s preparations to fire missiles and rockets into Israel, and we are taking proactive measures to neutralize this threat,” he explained.

    The IDF is targeting terrorist sites in Lebanon, which were reportedly being used as launch pads for attacks on Israeli civilians, according to the IDF Spokesperson in a subsequent video release.

  • A Woman And Her 2 Children Are Among 10 Killed In An Israeli Strike In Southern Lebanon | world news

    Lebanon: An Israeli strike in southern Lebanon early Saturday killed at least 10 Syrian nationals, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry.

    The strike on Wadi al-Kfour in Nabatieh province is among the deadliest in Lebanon since the Hezbollah militant group and Israeli military started trading strikes on Oct. 8, a day after Hamas attacked southern Israel and sparked the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Hezbollah maintains that it will stop its attacks once a cease-fire is reached in the Gaza Strip.

    Among the dead were a woman and her two children, the ministry said. Five others were wounded, two of whom in critical condition.

    An Arabic-language spokesperson for the Israeli military, Avichay Adraee, said the strike in the southern province targeted a weapons depot belonging to Hezbollah.

    Mohammad Shoaib, who runs a slaughterhouse in Wadi al-Kfour, said the area struck was an “industrial and civilian area” that contained factories producing bricks, metal, and aluminum, as well as a dairy farm.

    The uncle of three of the people killed in the strike said they were factory workers who were in their housing accommodation when they were hit. He denied that there were weapons at the facility.

    “There was nothing at all like that,” Hussein Shahoud said. “There was metal for construction, for building, for all kinds of purposes.”

    Hezbollah has not immediately commented on the strikes.

    The Lebanese government and international governments have scrambled for weeks to put an end to the monthslong clashes, with the region on a knife edge since July.

    An Israeli strike last month in southern Beirut killed Hezbollah’s top commander, whom Israel accused of leading a rocket attack on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights that killed 12 youths. Hours later, an explosion widely blamed on Israel killed Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in the Iranian capital.

    Both Tehran and Hezbollah vowed to retaliate, but have not yet launched strikes as diplomatic endeavors and Gaza cease-fire talks continue in Qatar.

    Hezbollah and Israel fought a six-week war in the summer of 2006 that ended in a draw. Hezbollah’s military capabilities have developed significantly since then.

    More than 500 people have been killed in exchanges since Oct. 8, most of them fighters with Hezbollah and other armed groups but also including around 100 civilians and noncombatants. In Israel, 22 soldiers and 24 civilians have been killed. Tens of thousands of people have been displaced on both sides of tense frontier.

  • India Issues Advisory For Its Citizens In Lebanon Amid Rising Israel-Hezbollah Tensions, Advises To ‘Exercise Caution’ | world news

    The Indian embassy in Beirut has issued a cautionary advisory for its citizens living in Lebanon. The advisory comes in the wake of escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. The embassy urged Indian nationals to stay alert and maintain communication with them due to the recent developments in the region.

    Contact Information For Indians

    In their advisory, the Indian embassy emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant and advised to exercise caution. Indian nationals in Lebanon or those planning to travel there are advised to contact the embassy through email at [email protected] or the emergency phone number +96176860128.

    What is happening in Lebanon?

    The situation has intensified following an announcement by the Israeli military that its jets bombed Hezbollah’s weapons depots and infrastructure in the Bekaa Valley, eastern Lebanon, on Sunday. This action was in response to an earlier incident where a rocket from Lebanon struck a soccer field in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, resulting in the deaths of 12 children and teenagers. The Israeli military described this as the deadliest civilian attack since October 7. There are growing concerns about a broader regional conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

    Notably, Hezbollah denied responsibility for the recent rocket attack. The White House National Security Council has engaged in discussions with Israeli and Lebanese counterparts, aiming for a diplomatic solution to halt the hostilities in the border region.

    Impact On Air Travel

    The tensions have also impacted air travel. Flights at Beirut Airport have faced cancellations or delays, with Lebanon’s Middle East Airlines (MEA) citing insurance risks due to the escalating conflict. Additionally, Lufthansa announced the suspension of five routes to and from Beirut, operated by Swiss International Air Lines, Eurowings, and Lufthansa, until July 30, as a precautionary measure.