A panel of experts discussed what is next for a region on a knife edge, with the United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon deciding not to leave positions in the country’s south despite an Israeli request. Australian citizens are being evacuated from Beirut amid increased government efforts. Iran’s Foreign Minister arrived in Damascus to discuss regional developments. Hezbollah reports ongoing clashes with Israeli soldiers near Lebanon’s southern border, with a leader of Hamas in Gaza killed in an attack in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli.
Israel launched fresh airstrikes on Beirut, with reports of explosions and smoke. More than 1.2 million Lebanese have been displaced. At least 41,802 people have been killed and 96,844 injured in Israeli military attacks on Gaza, with ongoing bombings. US forces conducted airstrikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen. UK-chartered flights are evacuating British nationals from Lebanon.
The conflict has resulted in over 2,000 deaths in Lebanon, with most occurring in the past two weeks. Hezbollah rockets targeted northern Israel, while Israeli soldiers conducted raids in the West Bank resulting in detentions. Funerals were held for those killed in an Israeli airstrike in the Tulkarm refugee camp, condemned as a massacre. Iran’s supreme leader vowed support for Hezbollah and Hamas. US President Biden raised concerns about Netanyahu’s actions influencing the 2024 US presidential election.
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