Israeli military strikes target residential areas in southern Lebanon

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Lebanon is experiencing a rapidly developing food security crisis, according to the United Nations World Food Programme. The UN has also warned that Lebanon is witnessing not just a displacement crisis but a growing humanitarian situation.

Over the past 24 hours, Israel launched more than 50 strikes across Lebanon, prompting concerns about the escalating violence and its potential impact on the fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran. On Friday, an Israeli air strike in the southern town of Hanawya killed one person and wounded another, according to reports from the National News Agency.

Israeli forces also destroyed residential areas in Aita al-Shaab and targeted additional locations in the Tyre district, including al-Majadel. The Lebanese group Hezbollah responded by firing rockets towards settlements in northern Israel, including Kiryat Shmona, Metula, and Misgav Am.

In a statement posted on Telegram, Hezbollah fighters stated that their attacks would continue until Israeli-American aggression against Lebanon was stopped.

Despite the escalation in southern Lebanon, there has been a relative lull in Beirut, with reports suggesting a reduction in strikes in the city. However, Israeli officials have acknowledged US pressure to de-escalate the conflict.

The UN World Food Programme has warned that food is becoming increasingly unaffordable due to rising prices and higher demand from displaced families, as well as disruptions to supply routes caused by the Iran war. The organization’s Lebanon country director, Allison Oman, stated that the situation is “rapidly becoming a food security crisis.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans for direct negotiations with Lebanon, stating that he would order talks “as soon as possible.” Diplomatic efforts appear limited, however, and a meeting between Lebanese officials, US representatives, and Israeli officials in Washington next week has been planned.

The latest violence began days after Israel and the US launched their war on Iran on February 28. The humanitarian toll continues to rise, with UNICEF warning that escalating attacks are having a devastating impact on children.

Source: Al Jazeera