Three dead in southern Lebanon as Israel and Hezbollah resume fighting : Analysis

Israeli shelling in southern Lebanon has resulted in the deaths of three people, according to Lebanon’s state news agency. The escalation of hostilities came after the end of a ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian armed group Hamas, leading to a resumption of violence at the Israel-Lebanon border. The Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah, an ally of Hamas, confirmed that one of its fighters was among those killed. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for multiple attacks on Israeli military positions at the border, in support of the Palestinians in Gaza. The Israeli army reported that it targeted sources of fire from Lebanon and intercepted two launches through its air defenses. They also stated that they struck a “terrorist cell.” Sirens warning of incoming rockets were heard in several towns in northern Israel, necessitating residents to seek shelter. Lebanon’s National News Agency reported that two people were killed in the Lebanese border town of Houla and one person was killed in the village of Jebbayn due to Israeli shelling. A spokesperson for the United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon also confirmed shelling close to its headquarters and in Aita al-Shaab. The ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel has resulted in daily rocket attacks by Hezbollah on Israeli positions at the border and Israel conducting air and artillery strikes in southern Lebanon. The situation is the most severe since the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel, with approximately 100 people killed in Lebanon, including 80 Hezbollah fighters. Tens of thousands of people from both sides of the border have been displaced. Hezbollah released statements claiming responsibility for five attacks on Israeli military positions, stating that they were in support of the Palestinians. The United Nations expressed concern about further escalation, with a senior Hezbollah politician noting that Lebanon is also at risk due to the close connection between events in Gaza and the Israel-Lebanon border.

Source: Aljazeera news: At least three killed in south Lebanon as Israel, Hezbollah resume fighting