A New Chapter of Conflict: Israel's 2024 Invasion of Lebanon

 In a grim repeat of history, Israel has invaded Lebanon once more. The 1982 invasion triggered an 18-year occupation until Hezbollah, then an embryonic resistance group, forced the Israeli soldiers to leave in 2000. Now, in 2024, Tel Aviv has initiated a new campaign in Lebanon, driven by a desire to eliminate Hezbollah, which it regards as its most powerful enemy to the north.

This latest incursion began with Israel's "limited" military incursions early Tuesday, when its forces crossed the border into Lebanon. Hezbollah, which was formerly resilient in the face of Israeli onslaught, is now badly weakened after losing its leader Hassan Nasrallah and much of its top leadership. Despite this, Hezbollah is determined to resist.In a defiant video statement released on Monday, the group's deputy head, Naim Qassem, swore to continue the struggle, indicating that the conflict is far from over.

A Grim Humanitarian Toll

While Israel targets Hezbollah, Lebanon has suffered catastrophic collateral damage. Hundreds of Lebanese civilians have been killed, and around one million people—nearly one-fifth of Lebanon's population—have been displaced. The human toll is astonishing, with Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati calling it one of the country's darkest periods in recent memory. However, as this humanitarian crisis deepens, the international response has been relatively quiet.

Silence of Arab-Muslim Solidarity;

The Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) have failed to take meaningful action in response to Israeli aggression. These institutions, which claim to represent Islamic unity and Arab solidarity, have released tepid statements calling for peace while doing little to act or use their political authority. Gulf governments, which have substantial geopolitical power due to their energy resources, have remained mainly mute or passive while Lebanon, one of their own, being bombarded by Israel.

This inaction raises serious issues about the organisations' relevancy and efficacy. While Iran, Hezbollah's main supporter, retaliated with missile strikes against Israel, other Muslim-majority countries have largely watched from the sidelines.


The West's unwavering support for Israel

In sharp contrast, Israel has received unwavering support from its Western friends, most notably the United States. The United States has supported Israel's approach of "de-escalation through escalation"—a deceitful policy that basically supports Israeli military aggression in the name of long-term security. While Israel claims to be eliminating Hezbollah, the continued destruction and displacement of Lebanese civilians appears to be part of a larger strategy to weaken opposition in the region.

What's next for the region?

This new Israeli assault is more than just an attack on Hezbollah; it is part of a larger regional plan that risks setting a disastrous precedent. If Israel is victorious in this fight without experiencing significant international resistance, It may feel encouraged to expand its military presence in other parts of the Middle East. Lebanon, with its unstable political and economic condition, may only be the first domino.

The issue remains: will the Arab and Muslim worlds allow this unrestrained assault to continue, or will they eventually take a stand? As the crisis progresses, the answer to that question might transform the Middle East's geopolitical landscape for years to come.

Conclusion

Israel's 2024 invasion of Lebanon is more than just a repeat of history; it is a hazardous escalation with far-reaching implications. While Hezbollah remains defiant, the carnage in Lebanon cannot be overlooked. The silence of Arab and Muslim countries, combined with the West's unwavering support for Israel, heightens the sense of impunity around Israel's activities. If the international world continues to fail Lebanon, the implications could be considerably worse, not just for the Lebanese but for the entire region.