Lebanon - February 2024

Recent developments have seen a significant escalation in the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, characterized by intensified missile and rocket exchanges and airstrikes. The situation deteriorated in early February when Israeli airstrikes resulted in civilian casualties and injuries to a Hezbollah leader. Hezbollah retaliated with a missile attack on an Israeli base causing military casualties. The conflict further intensified on 26 February, with Israel's airstrikes on Baalbek marking the deepest incursion into Lebanese territory since 7 October, prompting Hezbollah to launch a substantial rocket attack on an Israeli base in the Golan Heights. Additionally, Hamas launched rockets from Lebanon into Israel on 28 February. Israel’s attacks have damaged Lebanon's infrastructure and agriculture and have displaced over 86,000 people. Diplomatic efforts are scant, with Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant stating attacks on Hezbollah will continue.

Sources: Reuters, Al Jazeera, The New Arab, Associated Press, Anadolu Agency, Al Jazeera, Times of Israel