The Israeli military has launched airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon following continued attacks on northern Israel by Iran-backed militias.

The United Nations has expressed serious concern over the potential widening of the conflict in the Middle East and emphasized the urgent need for de-escalation.

Since October, clashes between the Israeli army and Hezbollah, along with allied groups, have intensified along the Israel-Lebanon border.

These confrontations have resulted in significant casualties on both sides and extensive damage to villages in the border region. Approximately 150,000 people have been forced to evacuate or flee due to the violence.

Hezbollah, known for its strong alliance with Hamas in Gaza, holds considerable military power in the region.

Israel’s objective is to exert both military and diplomatic pressure to enforce a retreat of Hezbollah forces behind the Litani River, located 30 kilometers from the border, in accordance with UN Security Council resolution 1701 stemming from the 2006 conflict.

UN Secretary-General Guterres has called for an immediate return to a full implementation of resolution 1701 and a ceasefire agreement to mitigate further escalation.