Israel’s military chief has indicated that the country is preparing for a possible ground assault in Lebanon as the army has called up two brigades of reservists amid ongoing air strikes. The latest wave of attacks is aimed at potentially entering enemy territory, targeting Hezbollah’s large military outposts. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised to return thousands of displaced Israelis safely to their homes despite escalating violence.
Lebanon’s health minister reported that at least 51 people were killed on Wednesday alone, bringing the death toll from the past three days to 615 with over 2,000 wounded. Tens of thousands have fled southern Lebanon to seek shelter in the north, leading to a humanitarian crisis with long queues of cars, aid groups calling for donations, and schools being used as shelters.
World leaders have expressed concern about the situation, with US President Joe Biden suggesting that an all-out war is possible while also leaving room for diplomacy. The United States is leading a diplomatic effort to end hostilities in both Gaza and Lebanon, linking the conflicts as part of a single initiative. The recent escalation comes after Israel shifted its military focus to its northern frontier, leading to increased tensions and deadly attacks on Hezbollah members.
The ongoing violence has significantly impacted the region, with fears of further escalation and devastation prompting international efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
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