Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have escalated significantly, leading to a full-blown conflict that has impacted both nations. What began as cross-border exchanges surrounding the ongoing Gaza war has now resulted in major hostilities between the Israeli military and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group. The situation intensified on September 23, 2024, with continuous clashes in southern Lebanon.
In a significant development on Sunday, Israeli forces targeted a Lebanon mosque, escalating the ongoing violence.
Israeli Airstrike Levels Mosque in Southern Lebanon
On the morning of October 13, 2024, an Israeli airstrike destroyed an old mosque in the village of Kfar Tibnit, located in southern Lebanon. The attack occurred around 3:45 am local time (1245 GMT), completely leveling the mosque, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA). The Lebanon mosque held a special place in the community, as described by the village mayor, Fuad Yassin. He told AFP, “It was a significant place because families used to gather in the square right next to it on special occasions.” The mosque, which stood for over a century, is now in ruins due to the airstrike.
Continued Clashes Between Hezbollah and Israeli Forces
As Israel intensified its military operations against Hezbollah, the militant group reported intense fighting in the southern Lebanese village of Ramya. Hezbollah claimed that Israeli forces attempted to infiltrate the village, leading to fierce clashes. This incident marks another chapter in the escalating hostilities between the two sides, which have persisted for over a year.
The destruction of the Lebanon mosque is just one of many incidents highlighting the increasing intensity of the conflict. Both sides continue to exchange fire and carry out airstrikes, further destabilizing the region.
Strikes on Lebanese Red Cross Teams
In addition to the Israeli airstrike on Kfar Tibnit, another Israeli attack targeted a house in Sirbin, southern Lebanon, which led to more casualties. Lebanese Red Cross paramedics, who had been dispatched to the site to provide aid, were also affected by the second round of strikes. The Red Cross issued a statement describing the incident: “As the team was searching for casualties to rescue, the house was hit for a second time, resulting in concussions to the volunteers and damage to the two ambulances.”
Fortunately, the paramedics only sustained minor injuries. However, the attack underscores the increasingly dangerous conditions for humanitarian workers trying to assist those caught in the crossfire.
UN Peacekeepers Caught in the Crossfire
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) also confirmed that a third peacekeeper had been injured due to Israeli airstrikes. The soldier, who was hit by gunfire on Friday, underwent surgery and is now in stable condition. The injury marks yet another dangerous moment for the UN mission, which has been tasked with maintaining peace along the Lebanon-Israel border.
UNIFIL operates with over 10,000 peacekeepers from countries such as Italy, France, and India. Their mission has become increasingly precarious in recent weeks, with two other peacekeepers having been wounded earlier in the week. These soldiers were injured when an Israeli strike hit a UN watchtower in Naqoura, a coastal town in southern Lebanon.
International Response and Criticism
The intensifying conflict and the targeting of humanitarian organizations and peacekeepers have sparked international concern and condemnation. France, in particular, has reacted strongly, summoning Israel’s ambassador to express its disapproval of the attacks on UNIFIL forces. Similarly, Italy and Spain have issued statements condemning the strikes, labeling them as “unjustifiable.”
US President Joe Biden has also urged Israel to exercise caution, emphasizing the need to avoid harming UN personnel in the region. Additionally, Russia has called on Israel to cease its “hostile actions” against peacekeeping forces, demanding an end to strikes that endanger international missions.
Evacuations and Civilian Displacement
In response to the escalating violence, Israel has issued evacuation orders for 23 villages in southern Lebanon. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claim that Hezbollah is using these areas to store weapons and launch attacks. Residents have been urged to move north of the Awali River to avoid the conflict. However, Hezbollah has denied the accusations that it is using civilian areas as cover for its operations.
The evacuation orders add to the growing humanitarian crisis in Lebanon. More than 1.2 million people have already been displaced by the ongoing conflict, according to official Lebanese government figures. The toll of the war has been devastating, with over 2,100 people killed and more than 10,000 injured since the fighting began.
Conclusion: The Worsening Situation in Lebanon
As the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah continues to spiral, the human cost of the violence is mounting. The destruction of significant cultural and religious landmarks, such as the Lebanon mosque in Kfar Tibnit, reflects the heavy toll that the war is taking on communities in Lebanon. The injuries to peacekeepers and humanitarian workers further highlight the challenges faced by those attempting to maintain peace and provide aid in the region.
The international community has called for restraint and urged both sides to avoid targeting civilians and peacekeeping forces. However, the conflict shows no signs of abating, with cross-border exchanges continuing to fuel instability. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether diplomatic efforts can successfully de-escalate the situation or if the region will continue to plunge deeper into violence.