Hezbollah Member Killed in Israeli Shelling in Lebanon as Conflict Expands
Lebanon’s Hezbollah Confirms Death of Member in Israeli Bombardment
A member of Lebanon’s Hezbollah was killed in an Israeli bombardment in southern Lebanon on Monday, according to a statement released by the group. This incident marks an expansion of the conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants, reaching the Israeli-Lebanese border.
Response Expected from Hezbollah Following Member’s Death
Two sources close to the Iran-backed Hezbollah stated that the death of their member, caused by shelling on a Hezbollah observation post, will elicit a response from the group. It is worth noting that Hezbollah and Israel have engaged in occasional fire exchanges since their month-long war in 2006, carefully avoiding an all-out conflict. However, tensions escalated as they exchanged artillery and rocket fire on Sunday.
Cross-Border Raid Triggers Israeli Shelling
Israeli shelling into southern Lebanon on Monday was prompted by a cross-border raid claimed by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group. The group has been fighting alongside Hamas, and its surprise attack on Israel on Saturday sparked the ongoing conflict. The Israeli army reported that soldiers, with the support of helicopters, killed at least two gunmen who crossed the frontier.
Denial and Evacuation Amid Heavy Shelling
Contrary to earlier claims, a Hezbollah official stated that the group was not involved. Nevertheless, residents in southern Lebanon reported leaving their homes along the border due to heavy shelling in the outskirts of towns and villages. The state news agency also reported heavy traffic on main roads as people fled the area. As a precautionary measure, schools in the region will remain closed on Tuesday.
Escalation Risk Along the Lebanon-Israel Border
Even before the recent fighting in Israel and Gaza, a series of incidents over the past months had already raised the risk of escalation along the Lebanon-Israel border. In response to armed suspects infiltrating into Israeli territory from Lebanese territory, the Israeli military confirmed that military helicopters are currently striking the area. Major General Lazaro, head of the U.N.’s peacekeeping mission, is in contact with the involved parties, urging them to exercise maximum restraint. Lebanon’s army also confirmed shelling in border areas and advised caution in movements.
Heightened Tensions and Travel Advisories
Gabi Hage, a resident near the border, described heavy shelling close to his house and mentioned that he and his neighbors were leaving for safer locations. The French consulate in Lebanon has advised its nationals to postpone any travel to southern Lebanon due to the high tensions, and Britain has also warned that the situation could escalate.
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