Fears of wider conflict grow with Hezbollah leader’s death

Israel conducted airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen on Sunday, escalating its conflict with Iran’s allies in the region just two days after the killing of Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah in Lebanon. The airstrikes in Yemen’s Hodeidah port were a response to recent Houthi missile attacks on Israel, raising concerns of a broader conflict involving Iran and the United States.

According to Yemen’s Houthi-run health ministry, at least four people were killed and 29 wounded in the airstrikes. Meanwhile, Israel continued its bombardment in Lebanon, targeting more locations and causing casualties among Hezbollah leaders and civilians.

Israel’s military chief of staff, Herzi Halevi, declared the need to intensify attacks on Hezbollah, stating that the group has “lost its head.” The ongoing airstrikes in Lebanon resulted in the deaths of dozens of people, including medics, and prompted thousands to flee their homes.

With the goal of making northern areas safe for residents to return, Israel has significantly increased its offensive against Hezbollah in recent weeks. The death of Nasrallah, a key figure in Hezbollah for over three decades, has further fueled tensions in the region.

While the United States has called for a diplomatic resolution in Lebanon, it has also authorized military reinforcement in response to the escalating conflict. President Joe Biden emphasized the need to avoid an all-out war in the Middle East and expressed intentions to engage with Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu on the matter.

Reports revealed that the bomb used to kill Nasrallah was an American-made guided weapon. Iran, a key supporter of Hezbollah, mourned the loss of a senior Revolutionary Guards member killed alongside Nasrallah and called for a UN Security Council meeting to address Israel’s actions.

Amidst the escalating tensions, Lebanese civilians have suffered significant casualties and displacement, with over a million people forced to flee their homes. The UN World Food Programme initiated emergency operations to provide food for those affected by the conflict.

Israel’s military confirmed the strike on multiple targets in Lebanon, including power plants and ports, accusing the Houthis of operating under Iran’s influence. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized Israel’s determination to target threats regardless of location.

Hezbollah’s role in regional conflicts has been a point of contention in Lebanon, with critics accusing the group of undermining the state’s sovereignty. However, the killing of Nasrallah has deeply affected the Lebanese population, reflecting the complex dynamics at play in the ongoing conflict.