Israeli-Hezbollah clashes/ south Lebanon conflict/ UNIFIL bases/ Lebanon healthcare attacks/ Gaza food crisis/ ICC war crimes warrant/ Lebanon/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Heavy clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters erupted in southern Lebanon, including near the UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura. UN peacekeepers reported shelling near their bases, with four Italian soldiers injured. The escalating conflict follows Israel’s ground invasion of Lebanon and rising tensions after the ICC issued war crimes warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Fighting in South Lebanon: Quick Looks
- Heavy Clashes: Battles broke out in Naqoura and Chamaa near UNIFIL bases.
- UNIFIL Impacted: Four Italian peacekeepers were injured by rocket blasts at their base in Shama.
- ICC Arrest Warrants: The International Criminal Court issued warrants for Netanyahu and other leaders.
- Healthcare Crisis: Lebanon sees rising casualties in healthcare attacks amid intensified conflict.
- Humanitarian Concerns: Gaza suffers severe food shortages, with displaced families struggling for survival.
UN Reports Intense Clashes Between Israel, Hezbollah in South Lebanon
Deep Look: Clashes in South Lebanon Raise Regional Tensions
Heavy Fighting Near UN Bases
Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters clashed on Friday in multiple areas of south Lebanon, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. Intense battles were reported in Naqoura, home to the headquarters of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), and in Chamaa, a nearby village.
UNIFIL spokesman Andrea Tenenti confirmed “heavy shelling” near their bases, stating that peacekeepers and staff remained safe “for the moment.” The violence underscores the risks faced by the international peacekeeping mission as fighting escalates.
Injuries Among UN Peacekeepers
Italy’s defense ministry reported that two rockets struck UNIFIL’s base in Shama, injuring four Italian soldiers. The soldiers were hit by shattered glass but are expected to recover. Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto called the attack “intolerable” and urged Israeli authorities to ensure UNIFIL’s safety.
Italy’s Premier Giorgia Meloni expressed “deep indignation and concern” over the attack, renewing calls for all parties to guarantee peacekeepers’ security and hold responsible parties accountable.
Escalation Timeline
The clashes follow Israel’s ground invasion of Lebanon, which began on October 1. This operation came after Hezbollah escalated attacks, including rocket and drone strikes, in solidarity with Hamas following its October 2023 assault on Israel. The situation further deteriorated into a full-blown war in September 2024 after nearly a year of intermittent conflict.
International Ramifications
The violence coincided with the International Criminal Court’s issuance of war crimes warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and a Hamas leader. The warrants mark an unprecedented move against a sitting leader of a Western ally, drawing mixed reactions globally.
In Lebanon, the ongoing conflict has exacerbated humanitarian challenges, particularly in healthcare. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 47% of healthcare attacks in Lebanon since October 2023 have been fatal, the highest rate globally.
Civilian Struggles in Gaza
The broader Middle East conflict has caused severe hardships in Gaza, where displaced residents face food shortages. Bread prices have surged to $16 for a small bag, compared to $0.80 a month ago, forcing many families to survive on one meal a day.
Charitable kitchens in areas like Khan Younis struggle to meet the growing need, offering limited meals of rice, beans, or bulgur. “This is a crisis in every sense of the word,” said Nour Kanani, a displaced resident.
What’s Next?
As clashes in Lebanon intensify, the safety of UN peacekeepers remains a top concern. International leaders continue to call for de-escalation, but with ongoing military operations and heightened global scrutiny, a resolution remains uncertain.
The conflict’s ripple effects, from humanitarian crises in Gaza to political tensions over ICC warrants, underscore the urgent need for international mediation to prevent further escalation.
