The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has seen an alarming escalation, with Israel reportedly using phosphorus bombs in several towns in southern Lebanon. The use of these bombs has caused extensive forest fires, threatening residential areas and leading to a dangerous situation on the ground.
Lebanon's National News Agency reported that Israeli forces targeted towns such as Houla, Tallouseh, Adaisseh, and Kfarkela using phosphorus bombs. The resulting fires are spreading rapidly, with civil defence teams striving to control them and prevent them from reaching residential areas. Victims suffering from suffocation have been transported to Marjayoun Governmental Hospital. In addition to the phosphorus bombs, there were also reports of heavy artillery fire on several other towns, including Aita al-Shaab, Wadi al-Asafir in Khiyam, Deir Mimas, Kfarkela, Marwahin, Naqoura, and Alma al-Shaab.
The artillery fire has not only caused damage to the infrastructure but also posed a significant risk to civilian lives. For instance, an Israeli tank targeted a house in the Azra'il neighbourhood on the outskirts of Kfarchouba, though it was vacant at the time of the attack. The use of heavy weaponry in populated areas highlights the severe impact on the civilian population in these regions.
Hezbollah has responded with a series of attacks on Israeli military positions. The group claimed to have injured several Israeli soldiers during ten separate attacks on troop gatherings near the Lebanon border. They utilized a variety of weapons, including drones, Katyusha and Falaq rockets, and rocket-propelled weapons. Targets included Israeli military technical systems, surveillance equipment, and soldier positions at various sites including Metula, Kiryat Shmona, Kfar Szold, Harish Baram, and the Ramtha site.
The use of phosphorus bombs, which are controversial due to their potential to cause severe injuries and fires, marks a significant escalation in the conflict. International law restricts the use of such weapons in civilian areas, and their deployment in this conflict could draw international condemnation and calls for restraint from both sides.
This situation underscores the volatile and dangerous nature of the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. The international community is likely to closely monitor these developments, urging both sides to exercise caution and avoid actions that could further escalate tensions and result in more civilian casualties.
