UN – Israel Vs Lebanon Vs Hezbollah | NDTV NEWS

UN – Israel Vs Lebanon Vs Hezbollah | NDTV NEWS debate with Geopolitical Analyst Avi Melamed | October 11, 2024.

Background to the Conflict:

• The conflict escalated with Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, followed by Hezbollah’s attack on Israel the next day, on October 8. Hezbollah is an Iranian-backed militant group that operates primarily from southern Lebanon.
• Israel argues that it is responding to aggression, not initiating the conflict. However, Hezbollah’s provocations, including missile launches into Israel, have caused significant displacement, particularly in northern Israel, where 60,000-70,000 Israelis fled their homes.

Lebanese Sentiment:

• Many Lebanese citizens feel trapped by Hezbollah’s actions, which they believe are being dictated by Iran, and express frustration that Hezbollah has dragged them into the war despite pleas from the Lebanese population to avoid such conflict.
• Some Lebanese argue that without Hezbollah’s presence, Israel would have likely occupied Lebanese territory again, as it did in the past, particularly in the 1980s and 2006.

Civilian Suffering:

• The humanitarian situation in both Lebanon and Gaza is dire. In southern Lebanon, there has been widespread destruction, including airstrikes on civilian areas in Beirut. One attack in central Beirut killed 22 civilians and injured 117. Many civilians are displaced, taking refuge in Beirut or attempting to flee to Syria.
• There are civilian casualties on both sides: in Lebanon from Israeli airstrikes, and in Gaza from Hamas and Israeli operations.
• In Israel, civilians are also under threat from rockets fired by Hezbollah, leading to a significant number of refugees and casualties.

Hezbollah’s Military Role:

• Hezbollah is accused of deliberately using civilian areas as cover for its military infrastructure, including missile storage near airports and hospitals, making it difficult for Israel to target militants without causing civilian harm.
• Israel justifies its airstrikes by pointing to Hezbollah’s use of such tactics and claims that Hezbollah is preparing for further large-scale attacks against Israel. However, the constant fighting risks further civilian suffering on both sides.

Israeli Airstrikes and Civilian Casualties:

• Israel insists that it uses precision strikes, aided by advanced intelligence and technology, to target Hezbollah’s military infrastructure. However, there have been multiple instances where civilians, including in medical centers, have been killed in the process.
• Israel argues that Hezbollah is directly responsible for the civilian casualties, as they are the ones who initiated the conflict. Some critics argue that Israel’s retaliatory strikes have not been sufficiently precise, and the collateral damage is tragic.

International Involvement:

• The United Nations peacekeeping forces in southern Lebanon, including 900 Indian soldiers, have been targeted, with attacks on UN facilities and peacekeepers. The UN has condemned Israel’s strikes on these facilities, citing violations of international law.
• Despite numerous UN resolutions (1557 and 1701) demanding Hezbollah’s disarmament and the deployment of the Lebanese army to the border, Hezbollah has continued to strengthen its military presence in southern Lebanon. The UN’s failure to enforce its own resolutions is a point of contention.

Humanitarian and Political Debate:

• The debate centers on the rights of Israel to defend itself, the role of Hezbollah in provoking the conflict, and the moral implications of civilian suffering.
• Israeli representatives emphasize the security threats posed by Hezbollah and argue that the international community, particularly the UN, has failed to stop Hezbollah from launching attacks on Israel. However, many Lebanese and international critics stress that innocent civilians on both sides are being caught in the crossfire.
• Some argue that the cycle of violence, retribution, and revenge, perpetuated by both Hezbollah and Israel, is not leading to long-term security and peace for either side.

Possible Solutions:

• There is a growing call for a new approach to the conflict, one that prioritizes the protection of civilians and avoids the escalation of violence. Many observers, including those within Israel, believe that a purely military approach will not address the ideological root causes of the conflict.
• The need for diplomatic efforts, including pressure on Hezbollah to disarm and on Israel to reconsider its tactics, is emphasized, though the ongoing violence and political divides make such efforts difficult.

UN – Israel Vs Lebanon Vs Hezbollah | NDTV NEWS debate with Geopolitical Analyst Avi Melamed | October 11, 2024.

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