Israeli forces have greatly increased their air strikes on Labanon. Since the civilian death ceasefire came into effect in November 2024, at least 111 civilians have died. As tensions escalate, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has expressed his readiness to negotiate with Israel, despite its refusal to engage in discussions. The story on the ground is just as bad. According to the IDF, more than 1,000 air strikes have been directed at Hezbollah, but they’ve hit civilians, first responders and journalists.
Violence has increased dramatically in recent days. As of mid-October, at least 25 people have died in October alone, including one Syrian citizen. On Friday, an Israeli drone strike recently killed Azzam al-Shahroury, a motorbike taxi driver in the village of Kunin. This incident reflects the increasingly hazardous security environment in which we operate. The Israeli military justified its actions by claiming to target Hezbollah operatives. However, the collateral damage has raised serious concerns over civilian safety.
Palestinian and Lebanese Leadership Responses
In a belated response to the ongoing violence, President Aoun has banned. He has instructed the Lebanese military to meet Israeli aggressions, while guaranteeing more than the defense of Lebanese territory, the defense of Lebanese civilians’ safety. He stated, “Everyone in Lebanon has a responsibility to confront occupation according to their role,” emphasizing the need for collective action. Furthermore, he reiterated, “Lebanon is ready for negotiations to end the Israeli occupation, but any negotiation requires mutual willingness, which is not the case.”
The government of Lebanon has been engaged in a vigorous campaign of seeking international assistance to rectify the most urgent humanitarian situation. Additionally, Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi contacted his German counterpart, calling on Germany to put pressure on Israel to stop its attacks. He underscored that “Only a diplomatic solution, not a military one, can ensure stability and guarantee calm in the south.”
The Humanitarian Toll of Continued Strikes
The humanitarian impact of Israel’s ongoing bombardments is devastating. According to the latest reports, over 100 civilians have already died since the ceasefire started. This deeply troubling state of affairs leads to renewed focus on the disproportional effect on vulnerable populations. The overnight raid in the border village of Blida also killed municipal worker Ibrahim Salameh. He was one of the victims in this previously unimaginable tragedy.
Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem has complained about violations, in this case Israeli ones. He called on the govt of Lebanon to address these aggressions at highest level. He similarly condemned the need to realize national sovereignty by driving out the Israeli occupation. The group’s position reflects the frustration of many Lebanese citizens. They know their government needs to do more and better to fight against persistent foreign interference.
Call for Negotiations Amid Hostilities
President Aoun has to engage in backchannel calls for negotiations with Israel, as he did in mid-October. Sadly, the Israeli government continues to show zero interest in any diplomatic process. The continued military assault makes it difficult to quell the perception that Israel has no serious intention to pursue peace through negotiations.
As conflicts continue to brew and Lebanon’s people pay the price, the fate of the country’s safety and independence teeters on the precipice. The international community continues to watch closely as both sides grapple with their respective positions amidst a backdrop of violence and loss.
