BEIRUT: Tensions escalated in the Middle East as Israel launched barrages of artillery into southern Lebanon on Sunday in response to a Hezbollah attack on three Israeli military positions in the disputed Shebaa Farms. Hezbollah, a powerful armed group, claimed responsibility for launching guided rockets and artillery onto the Israeli posts, citing solidarity with the Palestinian people.
The Israeli military confirmed the retaliatory strikes, stating that artillery was fired into Lebanon. The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) also reported that one of its drones targeted a Hezbollah post in the Har Dov area within Shebaa Farms. Although there were no immediate reports of casualties, the strikes have raised concerns about a potential escalation of hostilities in the region.
The Shebaa Farms, a 15-square-mile patch of land, has been illegally under Israeli control since 1967. Both Syria and Lebanon contest Israel’s illegal occupation, asserting that the territory belongs to Lebanon.
UNIFIL Confirms Israel’s Strikes on Lebanon
The United Nations peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon, known as UNIFIL, confirmed the Israeli strikes on Lebanon. UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti stated that Israel launched artillery fire into Lebanon, prompting UNIFIL to engage with authorities on both sides to contain the situation and prevent further escalation.
UNIFIL had already increased its presence in southern Lebanon due to the recent developments in Israel and Gaza, including efforts to counter rocket launches. The UN’s special coordinator for Lebanon, Joanna Wronecka, expressed deep concern over the Israeli strikes. In a statement on the platform X (formerly Twitter), Wronecka urged de-escalation, emphasizing the need to protect Lebanon and its people from further conflict.
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