After causing immense devastation and the deaths of thousands of people in Gaza, Israel is now targeting Lebanon. In the past three days, according to Western media reports, more than 600 people have died from Israel’s bombardment across Lebanon. This follows a series of attacks, allegedly by Tel Aviv, targeting pager and communications devices in Lebanon that killed 39 people and injured more than 3,000. Israel’s new offensive against Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group based in Lebanon, has triggered fears that the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza could escalate, leading to instability across West Asia.
Israel contends that its attacks are targeting Hezbollah, though the reality is that numerous civilians, including women and children, have been killed. Iran, Egypt, Iraq, and Jordan have condemned Israel’s “aggression” and warned that it is “pushing the region towards all-out war.” Israel’s actions are increasingly pushing the entire Middle East towards a full-blown conflict, which will have global repercussions. Backed by weapons and financial support from the USA, Israel is becoming a significant bully in the Middle East. It shows little regard for international laws and defies them without facing consequences. The US is losing its moral authority by supporting a regime that does not hesitate to kill civilians in order to assert its superiority. Israel will bear sole responsibility for the catastrophe in the Middle East due to its mindless violence. India, which has maintained neutrality, should support peace and urge Israel to end the cycle of violence in the region.