Jeanine Hennis, the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, expressed concern about the widespread panic in Lebanon after evacuation orders were issued. Residents, such as Wafaa Ezeldinne, described a chaotic scene as people fled their homes to escape impending attacks. Ranim Halawani from Saida also shared her experience of fear and evacuation, even though the attacks did not reach her area.
The airstrikes targeted Al-Qard Al-Hassan, a bank under U.S. sanctions since 2007 for allegedly being used by Hezbollah for financial activities. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) expanded their operations to target this bank, seen as part of their ongoing conflict with Hezbollah. The IDF reported ground raids in southern Lebanon and the dismantling of Hezbollah’s weapons, resulting in casualties.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati emphasized the need for a diplomatic solution to end the fighting but admitted to having no direct contact with Hezbollah recently. Meanwhile, in northern Gaza, Israeli forces continued airstrikes and operations against militants, resulting in multiple deaths and the destruction of militant infrastructure.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in thousands of casualties in Lebanon and displacement of over a million people. The situation remains volatile, with the UN reporting that Israeli military actions are making life ‘impossible’ in northern Gaza. Diplomatic efforts are seen as the only way to eventually resolve the conflict and bring peace to the region.
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