What's happened
As fighting intensifies between Israel and Hezbollah, fears of a wider conflict grow. Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon and Hezbollah's missile attacks on Haifa mark a significant escalation since the October 7 Hamas attacks. Public shelters are filling up as residents brace for potential all-out war.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Al Jazeera, critics of Prime Minister Netanyahu argue for focusing on freeing hostages rather than escalating conflict with Hezbollah. The Independent highlights the dire situation in Haifa, where residents are preparing for potential violence reminiscent of past conflicts. Business Insider UK notes that Hezbollah's leadership has declared a 'battle of reckoning' against Israel, indicating a serious commitment to retaliate. The UN has warned of an imminent catastrophe, emphasizing that military solutions will not ensure safety for either side.
How we got here
The current escalation follows the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel, which prompted retaliatory strikes. Hezbollah's involvement has increased, leading to fears of a broader conflict reminiscent of the 2006 war. Recent airstrikes and missile exchanges have heightened tensions significantly.
More on these topics
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Hezbollah is a Shia Islamist political party and militant group based in Lebanon. Hezbollah's paramilitary wing is the Jihad Council, and its political wing is the Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc party in the Lebanese parliament.
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Lebanon, officially known as the Lebanese Republic, is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered by Syria to the north and east and Israel to the south, while Cyprus lies west across the Mediterranean Sea.