Israel Strikes South Lebanon Post-Ceasefire Escalation
1. Background of the Conflict
The Israel–Hezbollah war (Oct 2023 – Nov 2024) lasted 14 months, ending in late November 2024 with a U.S.-brokered ceasefire.
Despite the truce, Israel has continued near-daily airstrikes in southern Lebanon, targeting alleged Hezbollah infrastructure reconstruction sites.
The latest attack struck the village of Msayleh in southern Lebanon.
2. Latest Airstrike
Target: Site selling heavy machinery, allegedly used to rebuild Hezbollah infrastructure.
Collateral Damage:
Highway connecting Beirut to southern Lebanon briefly cut off.
Dozens of vehicles destroyed.
A vegetable transport vehicle was directly hit.
Humanitarian and Diplomatic Dimensions
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UN Human Rights Chief, Volker Turk, urged renewed international efforts to establish a permanent cessation of hostilities.
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UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) continues monitoring violations of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006), which calls for disarmament of Hezbollah and cessation of hostilities.
Prelims Practice MCQ
Q. Which of these forms a central legal/operational framework that both Israel and Hezbollah are expected to adhere to concerning southern Lebanon combat operations?
A. UN Security Council Resolution 1701
B. Oslo Accords
C. Camp David Accords
D. Geneva Convention IV only
Answer: A
Q. Which Lebanese city, a UNESCO heritage site, was bombed by Israel in October 2024, causing concern over cultural damage?
A. Beirut
B. Sidon
C. Tyre
D. Byblos
Answer: C (Tyre)
Q. Which body acts as the peacekeeping force between Israel and Lebanon and has warned against attacks on or near its personnel?
A. UNIFIL
B. UN Peacekeeping Mission in Gaza
C. UNDOF
D. UNSCO
Answer: A