BEIRUT: A UN representative demanded a halt to the “dangerous cycle of violence” as Hezbollah and Israel exchanged gunfire on Tuesday in response to Israeli raids in east Lebanon that proved fatal the day before.
The Israeli strikes targeted Hezbollah air defenses near Baalbek in eastern Lebanon on Monday, marking the first such attacks in the area since the conflict began. Hezbollah retaliated by launching rockets at the “Meron air control base” and other Israeli positions.
Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said that the rockets caused no casualties or damage, while Israeli fighter jets retaliated by hitting Hezbollah military sites.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) expressed concern over the escalation, warning of the potential threat to a political solution and calling for a halt to hostilities.
Since October, cross-border exchanges have resulted in casualties on both sides. According to reports, at least 284 people have been killed on the Lebanese side, while 10 soldiers and six civilians have been killed on the Israel side.
