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| senior Hezbollah commander Wissam Tawil, who was killed in Kherbet Selem village, south Lebanon, on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024 |
An Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon killed Hezbollah commander Wissam al-Tawil, intensifying the border conflict. The strike follows increased hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, triggered by an earlier Israeli attack in Beirut. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken seeks to prevent a broader conflict during his regional visit.
In Gaza, major Israeli operations in northern areas are concluding, with focus shifting to central regions and Khan Younis. The ongoing offensive has claimed over 23,000 Palestinian lives, displaced 85% of Gaza's population, and left many facing starvation. Gaza's overwhelmed hospitals face challenges, with Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital evacuated due to safety concerns amid Israeli attacks.
Dire conditions persist in northern Gaza, cut off by Israeli forces since late October. Entire neighborhoods are demolished, and the WHO struggles to deliver supplies. An airstrike in Jabaliya refugee camp kills at least 70, adding to the staggering toll on civilians. The conflict's toll reaches over 23,000 Palestinian deaths and 58,000 wounded, with concerns about malnourishment among children.
Efforts to prevent a wider war involve Blinken's diplomatic engagements. Israel and Hezbollah, cautious about a full-scale war, have restrained cross-border exchanges. However, the killing of Hamas leader Saleh Arouri in Beirut escalates tensions. Hezbollah's rocket attack on an Israeli airbase responds to Arouri's death, prompting Israeli warnings of potential warfare.
Hezbollah's Radwan Force, targeted in the recent airstrike, heightens Israeli concerns. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expresses a commitment to restoring security but acknowledges the possibility of a wider campaign if necessary. Hezbollah's rocket attacks aim to alleviate pressure on Gaza since Hamas' October 7 attack, leading to a cycle of violence.
The cross-border conflict has resulted in nearly 200 deaths in Lebanon, mostly fighters, and 20 civilians. On the Israeli side, five civilians and 12 soldiers are killed, with over 150 injured. Tens of thousands of people in both countries are displaced from border areas. The situation remains precarious as regional and international efforts focus on preventing further escalation and addressing the humanitarian crisis.