Hezbollah’s retaliatory attack on Ramat David Airbase sparks fears of all-out war, UN warns of “imminent catastrophe”. Image: Jack GUEZ / AFP
(The Post News)- Hezbollah launched dozens of rockets at Israel’s Ramat David Airbase, east of Haifa, in response to a series of Israeli attacks. The retaliatory strike, confirmed by Hezbollah, marks a significant escalation in the cross-border clashes that have plagued the region since October last year.
The Israeli military reported over 100 projectiles fired from Lebanon, forcing hundreds of thousands to seek shelter and prompting school closures in northern Israel. Educational activities were suspended until Monday, affecting hundreds of thousands of children, according to military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani.
Hezbollah’s attack, using advanced Fadi 1 and Fadi 2 rockets, demonstrates the group’s capability to strike deep within Israeli territory. The rockets’ range, exceeding 45km, has raised concerns about the group’s military prowess.
“This is the first time since the 2006 war that Hezbollah’s missiles crossed 20km,” noted Al Jazeera’s Ali Hashem. “Hezbollah’s message is clear: despite the blows, it’s still able to fight and launch rockets and missiles across the border.”
The latest violence follows a week of Israeli attacks across Lebanon, including a devastating air strike in Beirut’s southern suburbs that killed at least 45 people, including senior Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Aqil. The attack leveled an entire residential building, sparking widespread outrage.
Lebanon blamed Israel for the unprecedented attack, which injured thousands and killed dozens, including civilians. The explosions of wireless communication devices associated with Hezbollah further exacerbated tensions.
The UN special coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, warned of an “imminent catastrophe” in the region, emphasizing that a military solution would not bring safety to either side. “With the region on the brink of an imminent catastrophe, it cannot be overstated enough: there is NO military solution that will make either side safer.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue operations against Hezbollah, stating, “If Hezbollah has not understood the message, I promise you, it will understand the message.” Defence Minister Yoav Gallant pledged to ensure residents of northern Israel can return home safely.
Hezbollah has made it clear that it will continue attacking Israeli bases in the north until Israel ends its Gaza offensive. The violence has displaced tens of thousands of people on both sides of the border, sparking fears of an all-out war.
As tensions escalate, the international community must intervene to prevent a catastrophic conflict. The UN’s warning of an “imminent catastrophe” serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked violence.
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