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Hezbollah Warns of Expanded Rocket Strikes Amid Rising Tensions

Wednesday 17 July 2024 - 15:30

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In a significant development escalating tensions in the Middle East, Hezbollah has issued a stark warning to Israel, pledging to increase rocket attacks if Israeli operations continue to result in civilian casualties in Lebanon. The declaration, delivered by Hezbollah's Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah during a televised address on Wednesday, raises concerns about further escalation from a low-intensity conflict to full-scale war.

Nasrallah's speech, coinciding with the Shia holy day of Ashura, followed recent Israeli attacks that reportedly killed eight Lebanese civilians. He emphasized that additional civilian deaths would prompt Hezbollah to target previously untouched Israeli settlements. "Continued civilian targeting will force the Resistance to launch missiles at previously unaffected settlements," Nasrallah declared, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

The recent surge in violence has taken a tragic toll on civilian lives. On Tuesday, five civilians, including three children, died in Israeli raids on Lebanon. The previous day saw three more civilian casualties, according to state media and security sources, fueling anger among the Lebanese population.

Israel asserts its military operations in Lebanon solely target Hezbollah fighters and infrastructure, denying intentional civilian targeting. However, the mounting civilian death toll has raised doubts and intensified international scrutiny of Israeli military tactics.

The conflict is not one-sided. Hezbollah's attacks on Israel have resulted in 17 soldier and 13 civilian deaths, according to Israeli authorities. These casualties have led to extended evacuation orders in northern Israel, disrupting countless lives and heightening border tensions.

With fears of broader regional conflict mounting, Israel prepares for a potential broader operation in Lebanon, although no final decision has been made. Hezbollah, while stating it does not seek war with Israel, remains prepared to engage if provoked.

In his address, Nasrallah projected strength, downplaying Israel's military capabilities by citing Gaza's impact on its armed forces. "If your tanks come to Lebanon ... you will have no tanks left," Nasrallah boldly claimed, questioning Israel's ability to sustain a northern front war.

Nasrallah also made a heartfelt appeal to Lebanese citizens whose homes were destroyed, promising rebuilt homes "more beautiful than before," framing destruction and reconstruction as symbols of Lebanese "steadfastness and resistance."

This exchange of threats unfolds amid a complex regional dynamic. The ongoing Gaza conflict, now in its tenth month, profoundly affects the entire Middle East. Hezbollah's involvement and Lebanon's potential entry into a wider conflict further complicate the geopolitical puzzle.

International observers and diplomats monitor the situation with growing concern. A full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah could have catastrophic consequences for the region's stability and potentially involve other regional powers, complicating efforts for lasting peace.

As tensions simmer, the international community faces the challenge of preventing further escalation. Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate and steer both parties away from war are expected to intensify in the coming weeks.

The unfolding events underscore the fragility of peace in the region and the potential for localized conflicts to escalate. The actions of key players in the coming days may decide whether the region moves towards chaos or finds a path to de-escalation and eventual peace.