The United Nations has sounded the alarm over the escalating Israeli conflict with Gaza, warning that an expansion into Lebanon could have catastrophic repercussions. Martin Griffiths, the UN’s Humanitarian Affairs Coordinator, has expressed grave concerns, describing Lebanon as a ‘powder keg’ that could explode into a wider conflict involving Syria and impacting the Gaza and West Bank regions. The situation has been further aggravated by daily exchanges of fire across the ‘Blue Line’ border since October 8, leading to hundreds of casualties, predominantly Lebanese. Hezbollah has indicated a willingness to halt attacks on Israel if it ends its war on Gaza, which has resulted in over 124,000 Palestinian deaths, many of whom are children and women .In response to the tense situation, the German and Dutch governments have urged their citizens to leave Lebanon immediately. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has met with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant at the Pentagon, reaffirming the US’s commitment to Israel’s security while cautioning against provocations by Hezbollah that could lead to a devastating war. Meanwhile, the White House has stated that military aid to Israel will continue, with only a single batch of high-powered bombs on pause, and all other military equipment being delivered.Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu’s comments regarding delays in US weapons deliveries. Gallant emphasized Israel’s strong relationship with the US and the importance of discussing disagreements internally while maintaining unity. Despite the tensions, significant progress has been made in talks with the Biden administration on the issue of US munitions supply to Israel. This development comes amidst Netanyahu’s visit to the northern border and his assertion that Israel will prevail in a war with Hezbollah. The ongoing conflict in Gaza, now in its ninth month, continues to cause widespread destruction and loss of life.
Key points
- The UN warns of catastrophic consequences if the Israeli conflict with Gaza extends to Lebanon, potentially involving Syria and impacting the Gaza and West Bank regions.
- Germany and the Netherlands have advised their citizens to leave Lebanon amid escalating tensions and daily fire exchanges across the ‘Blue Line’ border.
- The White House assures continued military aid to Israel, with only high-powered bombs on pause, amidst disagreements with Prime Minister Netanyahu over weapons delivery delays.
- Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasizes unity and progress in US talks on munitions supply, despite criticism of Netanyahu’s public comments.
Contradictions👾The UN’s warnings of a catastrophic war contrast with Israeli Defense Minister Gallant’s assurances of progress in talks with the US and commitment to a ceasefire.
