Hezbollah announced it had launched dozens of rockets at Israel, escalating an already volatile situation in the Middle East. This comes as Iran and its allies prepare to respond to the killing of Hamas’s political chief, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran earlier this week. The attack on Israel has raised fears of a broader regional conflict, with US President Joe Biden expressing hope that Iran would “stand down” despite its threats to retaliate.
Hezbollah stated that its rocket attacks targeted Moshav Beit Hillel in Israel, injuring several civilians. This act of aggression was declared a retaliatory move in response to Israel’s strikes on Kfar Kela and Deir Siriane in Lebanon, as well as an Israeli strike in Beirut that killed Fuad Shukr, a senior Hezbollah military commander. Despite these claims, international media reported no significant losses from Hezbollah’s attack.
According to an Axios report, three US and Israeli officials had anticipated an Iranian attack on Israel as early as Monday. The increasing hostilities have prompted the US embassy in Lebanon to advise its citizens to leave the country immediately. Amid concerns of an all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah and a potential broader regional conflict, the embassy stated, “Commercial transportation options to leave Lebanon remain available.”
Despite the suspension and cancellation of flights, the US embassy encouraged those wishing to depart Lebanon to secure any available ticket, regardless of the route or departure timing. In a similar move, the UK government urged its citizens to leave Lebanon immediately. Foreign Minister David Lammy emphasized, “Tensions are high, and the situation could deteriorate rapidly. My message to British nationals there is clear — leave now.”
The UK Foreign Office announced it was bolstering support for Britons in Lebanon by deploying border force, consular officials, and military personnel to the region. This step aims to assist in the safe departure of British nationals amidst the escalating tensions.
The recent escalation follows the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, a prominent Hamas leader, in Tehran. His killing has intensified the already high tensions between Iran, its allies, and Israel. Hezbollah’s rocket attacks are part of a broader response from Iran and its affiliates, which have vowed to avenge Haniyeh’s death.
The rising tensions have drawn international concern, with the potential for a full-scale regional war threatening stability in the Middle East. The US and UK’s urgent advisories for their citizens to leave Lebanon reflect the gravity of the situation.
While President Biden has called for restraint from Iran, the likelihood of further escalation remains high. The international community is closely monitoring the developments, hoping for diplomatic interventions to prevent a wider conflict.
