UN Security Council to Meet Over Lebanon Crisis: Fighting Intensifies
Israel's capture of Beaufort Castle has set off tensions that pushed the UN Security Council into holding an emergency meeting to address escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. With over 3,400 Lebanese dead since early March, civilians face mounting dangers as both sides violate ceasefires and claim each other's actions justify further attacks.
Highlights
- •UN Security Council set for emergency session on Lebanese crisis
- •Israel captures Beaufort Castle in significant military operation
- •Hezbollah retaliates with rocket attacks towards northern Israel
- •3,412+ Lebanese killed since the start of hostilities
The United Nations Security Council is set to convene an emergency session on Monday to address the ongoing crisis in Lebanon following Israel's military operation that has captured Beaufort Castle. Diplomatic sources revealed this move, which was prompted by France after President Emmanuel Macron condemned rising tensions and called for a cessation of hostilities.
Beaufort Castle, also known as Qalaat al-Chakif, holds significant historical importance – it was used as a military base during Israel's previous two-decade occupation of southern Lebanon which ended in 2000. The latest Israeli incursion has intensified the conflict, with both sides accusing each other of violating a temporary truce that began on April 17.
Escalation Looms as Lebanon Catches Up in Middle East War
On March 2, Hezbollah initiated hostilities against Israel after retaliating to the US-Israeli killing of Iran's supreme leader. In response, Israeli forces struck Lebanese territory, prompting widespread civilian fear and displacement. As of Sunday, eight people were killed during a raid on Deir Zahrani in southern Lebanon, with three women among the casualties.
Since then, exchanges have intensified. Hezbollah has launched rockets into northern Israel from positions near Beaufort Castle, while Israel claims success in targeting key militant infrastructure. Meanwhile, air sirens blared across southern Lebanese cities as Israeli troops advanced closer to Hezbollah strongholds.
The United States is also involved in diplomatic negotiations; a senior US official stated that Secretary of State Marco Rubio had spoken with Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding ongoing diplomatic talks. The official insisted that Hezbollah should cease hostilities first, followed by an Israeli restraint in Beirut.
Security talks between military delegations from Lebanon and Israel took place in Washington, marking a crucial step toward de-escalation but amid ongoing escalation warnings. Over 25 Israeli soldiers have died since the ceasefire began, while over 3,412 people in Lebanon have perished due to the fighting.
Zeinab Fakih from Sidon described the situation grimly: "It is impossible for us to return to our home," she said. "The city is in great destruction." Civilians, particularly in Tyre and Sidon, face constant danger as Israeli forces expand their operations.
