The situation in the Middle East has reached a critical point, with Israel reportedly planning retaliatory actions against Iran as the Houthis endure multiple airstrikes. In just a few days, events have rapidly unfolded, prompting the United Nations and various regional nations to intensively advocate for peace.
**Continuing Conflict: Israel-Lebanon Fighting Intensifies**
On October 4th, clashes persisted between the Israeli military and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. Reports suggest that Israel’s limited ground operations in the area are expected to continue for several weeks. That same day, the southern suburbs of Beirut experienced more Israeli strikes, with residents reporting a series of explosions.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have stated that since the onset of their operations on September 30, approximately 250 Hezbollah members, including 21 commanders, have been killed, and over 2,000 military targets have been attacked. On October 3rd, they reported the death of Sakafi, the head of Hezbollah’s communications network, in an airstrike.
Hezbollah has been actively retaliating by launching rockets into Israel, with media reports indicating that more than 550 rockets and missiles have been fired since September 30. On October 4 alone, Hezbollah reportedly fired over 100 rockets at Israeli positions.
On the morning of October 5, explosions echoed again in the southern Beirut suburbs, attributed to Israeli military actions. Air raid sirens were also activated in Kafrayuwa, a northern Israeli town, where Hezbollah claimed to have targeted Israeli forces.
**Wider Conflict: Middle East on the Edge of Full War**
On the same day, Houthi forces in Yemen announced that U.S.-U.K. coalition forces conducted multiple airstrikes on Sana’a and Hodeidah. The U.S. military confirmed that strikes targeted 15 Houthi-controlled sites. As of now, there are no updates on casualties among the Houthis.
**Potential Retaliation Against Iran?**
During a press briefing on October 4, President Biden stated that Israel has not yet made a decision on how to respond to recent Iranian attacks. He mentioned that if he were in Israel’s position, he would consider alternatives to targeting Iranian oil fields. Biden also noted that the U.S. is contemplating sanctions against Iran. Furthermore, a senior State Department official confirmed that Israel has not committed to the U.S. that it will refrain from retaliating against Iranian nuclear facilities.
Some U.S. media outlets are speculating that Israel may target Iranian facilities, including oil sites, in response to earlier missile strikes from Iran.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian, who was visiting Beirut, asserted that Iran’s actions against Israel are strictly aimed at military and security targets. He emphasized that Iran does not plan further actions unless Israel strikes Iranian targets, warning that any mistakes by Israel would elicit a comprehensive and significant response.
**Humanitarian Crisis: Civilians in Dire Need**
The ongoing airstrikes by Israel have led to significant civilian casualties in Lebanon, overwhelming local healthcare facilities. The World Health Organization reported that 28 healthcare workers have died in the recent conflict. While many medical institutions in Lebanon remain operational, their collapse seems imminent as the situation continues to escalate.
According to officials from the U.N. refugee agency, nearly 900 shelters in Lebanon are operating at full capacity. As more Lebanese flee the ongoing strikes, many are left to sleep outdoors in parks or on the beaches. Recent data indicates that these attacks have displaced over 1.2 million people in Lebanon and resulted in nearly 2,000 fatalities.
On October 4, Iraq announced the acceptance of 366 Lebanese citizens seeking asylum, offering them necessary assistance at the Qaim border.
**Calls for Peace: International Reactions**
On October 4, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres voiced deep concern over the rising civilian death toll near Beirut, describing the casualties from Israeli airstrikes as “completely unacceptable.” He urged all parties involved to prioritize the protection of civilians and avoid harm to them.
Guterres emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to address the escalating humanitarian needs in the region. Meanwhile, Turkish President Erdoğan commented on the devastation in the Middle East, stating that Israel is escalating the conflict at all costs.
In addition, the Foreign Ministers of Saudi Arabia and Egypt convened on the same day to discuss the situation, expressing deep concern over the repercussions of the conflict and calling for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon and Gaza.
