Tensions are heating up 🔥 in the Middle East as Israel and Hezbollah exchange strikes, putting a fragile ceasefire on the brink!
On Monday, Israeli strikes hit two southern Lebanese towns, Talousa and Haris, resulting in at least nine deaths and three injuries. The Israeli military reported targeting dozens of Hezbollah positions across Lebanon.
Earlier the same day, Lebanese authorities confirmed two more fatalities, including a state security member, from Israeli strikes in other parts of southern Lebanon, bringing the day's death toll to 11. 😔
The escalation came shortly after Hezbollah accused Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement. In response, Hezbollah fired missiles at an Israeli military position in the disputed Shebaa Farms area, calling it a \"defensive warning strike.\"
This tit-for-tat has the ceasefire, which only took effect less than a week ago, hanging by a thread. 🕊️
While Israel reported no casualties from Hezbollah's missile launches, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed a \"strong\" response. Hezbollah stated that its rocket fire was in retaliation for repeated Israeli breaches of the truce.
Nabih Berri, Lebanon's Speaker of Parliament who negotiated the truce, reported at least 54 ceasefire violations by Israel since November 27. He called on the monitoring committee to urgently ensure that Israel halts its breaches.
Mahmoud Qomati, deputy head of Hezbollah's Political Council, emphasized that Hezbollah does not wish for the war to resume or expand. \"Hezbollah has been respecting the agreement, and countries supervising the deal should bear responsibility for these violations, which no one can bear,\" Qomati told Lebanese TV channel Al-Jadeed.
The international community watches closely as both sides exchange accusations and the hope for peace seems to fade. Let's hope cooler heads prevail and the ceasefire holds. ✌️🌍
Reference(s):
Israel, Hezbollah exchange strikes as ceasefire violations mount
cgtn.com
