Israel Evacuates Residents near Lebanese Border amid Intensifying Conflict

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The Israel Ministry of Defense and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have ordered the evacuation of residents living within 1.2 miles of the Lebanese border due to escalating conflict with Hezbollah. The move, affecting 28 northern Israeli communities, follows the IDF’s closure of a 2.5-mile zone south of the Lebanese border.

Airstrikes on Hezbollah

The IDF has reportedly conducted airstrikes on Hezbollah’s military infrastructure in Lebanon. Anti-tank missile attacks on Israeli communities and gunfire from across the border have also been documented. The IDF has been engaged in violent exchanges with Hezbollah, which have intensified over the weekend.

UNIFIL Headquarters Hit by Rocket

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported that its headquarters in the southern Lebanese city of Naqoura was hit by a rocket. The organization is working to confirm who fired the rocket, stating that attacks on civilians or UN personnel constitute violations of international law that could be considered war crimes.

War with Hamas

Israel has been waging war against Hamas since October 7 when the militant group launched a surprise attack, killing over 1,300 Israelis and taking 120 others hostage. In response, Israel has been bombing the Gaza Strip, killing 2,670 Palestinians and wounding another 9,600, according to data from the Palestine health ministry.

Displacement of Palestinians and Dire Conditions in Gaza

The ongoing conflict has displaced more than a million Palestinians, nearly half of Gaza’s population. Almost 400,000 of these displaced individuals are sheltering in facilities run by the United Nations relief agency in Gaza, surpassing their capacity. There are growing concerns about the spread of waterborne diseases as people are forced to consume brackish water from agricultural wells due to a lack of aid, water, and electricity.

Reopening of Rafah Border Crossing

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the reopening of the Rafah border crossing, raising hopes that supplies currently in Egypt may soon enter Gaza. The U.S. Embassy in Israel issued a security alert stating the crossing will open for Palestinians to exit into Egypt and for aid and supplies to enter Gaza.

Conflict with Hezbollah

While the war with Hamas continues in Gaza, the Iran-backed Hezbollah has been firing rockets at northern Israeli communities from neighboring Lebanon, prompting response from the IDF.