Jerusalem: Tensions in the Middle East are escalating as Israel voices concerns that Hezbollah's recent attacks could potentially lead to a broader conflict, dragging Lebanon into the war zone. Israel's military spokesperson, Jonathan Conricus, has expressed alarm, warning that Hezbollah's actions risk damaging Lebanon without any substantial gains.
The Lebanese Hezbollah group is closely allied with Hamas, which ignited the recent surge in violence with an October 7 attack in Israel, resulting in a tragic loss of life, with Israeli officials reporting over 1,400 casualties, primarily civilians who suffered from shootings, mutilations, and burn injuries.
In response, Israel has launched a series of relentless airstrikes on Gaza, leading to the deaths of more than 4,300 Palestinians, predominantly civilians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Simultaneously, cross-border confrontations have reignited between Israel and Hezbollah, with Conricus accusing Hezbollah of dangerous escalation.
"Hezbollah is playing a very, very dangerous game. They're escalating the situation. We see more and more attacks every day," he remarked.
Conricus further questioned the Lebanese state's willingness to jeopardize its remaining prosperity and sovereignty for the sake of Gaza-based terrorists, emphasizing the need for Lebanese authorities to ponder this critical question.
The recent exchanges of fire have already resulted in casualties, with four Hezbollah fighters and a member of the Palestinian group Islamic Jihad losing their lives in Lebanon. Additionally, three Israeli soldiers were injured, one of them seriously, due to Hezbollah's anti-tank fire, and two Thai farm workers were also wounded.
Amid these heightened tensions, Israel has issued evacuation orders for dozens of northern communities. Thousands of Lebanese residents in border regions have also fled to the southern city of Tyre for safety.
Naim Qassem, the deputy leader of Hezbollah, has not ruled out the possibility of the group intensifying its involvement in the conflict. He stated, "Let's be clear, as events unfold, if something comes up that calls for greater intervention by us, we will do so."
Notably, Hezbollah, backed by Iran, engaged in a devastating war with Israel in 2006, which resulted in over 1,200 casualties in Lebanon, primarily civilians, and 160 casualties in Israel, predominantly soldiers. The recent spate of violence has raised concerns about a potential rekindling of hostilities in the region.
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