Airlines Suspend Flights to Lebanon Amid Escalating Hezbollah-Israel Tensions

On Monday, major airlines, including Lufthansa, Air France, and Transavia, halted flights to Lebanon, reflecting growing international concern over the escalating conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. This decision follows a deadly rocket attack in the Golan Heights that resulted in the death of 11-year-old Guevara Ibrahim and 11 other victims.

The violence began with a rocket strike on a football pitch in Majdal Shams, a Druze Arab community in the Golan Heights. Israel and the United States have accused Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group, of being behind the attack. Since the onset of the Gaza conflict in early October, Hezbollah and Israeli forces have engaged in near-daily exchanges of fire.

In response to the rocket attack, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has threatened severe retaliation, while Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib has reported ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation. Both Israel and Hezbollah have given assurances of limited escalation, although tensions remain high.

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati is actively involved in diplomatic talks with international and regional stakeholders to protect Lebanon from further conflict. Despite these efforts, life in central Beirut appears to continue with a sense of grim normalcy, as expressed by local shop owner Muhammad Saad.

Hezbollah has denied involvement in the Majdal Shams attack but has claimed responsibility for various other strikes against Israeli military positions. In retaliation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that Hezbollah will face significant consequences. The violence has already resulted in at least 529 deaths in Lebanon and casualties on the Israeli side as well.

Hezbollah's alliance with Hamas, the Palestinian militant group responsible for the October 7 attack on southern Israel, has further complicated the situation. The conflict has led to a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with significant casualties and displacement. Israeli forces continue their operations in Gaza, targeting militant positions amid ongoing international negotiations aimed at securing a ceasefire and addressing the hostage situation.

The situation remains fluid, with international mediation efforts ongoing and further escalations possible as both sides prepare for a protracted conflict.