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What recent events have escalated tensions between Lebanon and Israel?
Israel conducted airstrikes targeting Hezbollah in southern Lebanon amid ongoing violations of the 2024 ceasefire. These strikes are part of Israel’s response to perceived threats and attempts by Hezbollah to rearm, keeping the region on edge. Diplomatic talks have also been ongoing, but military activity continues to escalate tensions.
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Why are Israel's airstrikes targeting Hezbollah?
Israel targets Hezbollah to prevent the group from rearming and to respond to violations of the ceasefire agreement. Israeli officials cite ongoing threats from Hezbollah’s military infrastructure in southern Lebanon as justification for these strikes, aiming to weaken the group’s capabilities and prevent renewed conflict.
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What are Lebanon's current efforts for peace and disarmament?
Lebanon’s government has been working to confiscate weapons and disarm Hezbollah, but the group remains armed and refuses to surrender its arms. Diplomatic talks, including US-mediated negotiations, focus on economic cooperation and disarmament, but progress is slow and obstacles remain, with fears of renewed violence persisting.
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Could this conflict lead to a wider regional war?
There is concern that ongoing military clashes and unresolved tensions could escalate into a broader regional conflict involving neighboring countries. The fragile ceasefire, military activity, and political disagreements all contribute to fears that the situation could spiral out of control if diplomatic efforts fail.
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What role does diplomacy play in reducing tensions?
Diplomatic efforts, including talks mediated by the US and regional actors, aim to de-escalate the conflict and promote disarmament. While these negotiations have shown some progress, deep-rooted mistrust and military provocations continue to hinder a lasting peace agreement.
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How might upcoming events influence the conflict?
The upcoming papal visit is seen as a potential peace catalyst, offering an opportunity for dialogue and reconciliation. However, significant obstacles remain, and military activity persists despite diplomatic engagements, making the future of peace uncertain.