Early Sunday, the Israeli Iron Dome defense system shot down missiles fired from southern Lebanon as they approached northern Israel.
Israel Prime Minister Declares Country in Multi-Front War Against Iran’s ‘Evil Axis
On Sunday, Israel began a new workweek under a cloud of uncertainty. Fears of potential attacks by Iran and its allies, such as Hezbollah, have caused disruptions for many Israelis.
Several international airlines have canceled flights to and from Israel due to concerns about retaliation from Iran and Hezbollah. This has left many Israelis stranded abroad, unable to return home. Airlines like Delta, United, Lufthansa, and Aegean suspended their services after recent high-profile attacks. These included the assassination of Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. There are worries that these incidents might trigger a larger regional conflict.
To address the situation, Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is asking citizens abroad to fill out an online survey to help locate them and arrange alternative flights. Many stranded Israelis are in Europe and the United States.
El Al, Israel’s national airline, and its subsidiaries are trying to add extra flights to bring Israelis back. However, they are limited in their capacity, especially during the busy summer season. Officials suggest that stranded Israelis consider traveling to nearby hubs like Athens or Cyprus to catch flights back to Israel.
Amid the escalating tensions, countries like Britain, Canada, France, and the United States have advised their citizens to leave Lebanon immediately. The American Embassy in Beirut encouraged people to book any available flights, and France urged its citizens in Iran to leave as soon as possible.
The travel disruptions have added to Israel’s sense of instability and uncertainty. Analysts say that the Israeli government is waiting to see the extent of any retaliatory actions from Iran and Hezbollah before deciding on its next moves. This could either contain the situation or risk further escalation into a broader conflict.
Since the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel nearly 10 months ago, Israel has faced significant challenges. Analysts suggest that Israel’s current strategies are being tested, and there is no clear plan for dealing with the ongoing conflicts.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel is engaged in a multi-front war against Iran and its allies. He assured that Israel is prepared for any scenario and will respond strongly to any acts of aggression. Despite this, many Israelis feel that Iran and Hezbollah are benefiting from the ongoing tension, and the situation remains precarious.
Israel and Hezbollah Engage in Limited Exchange of Fire
On Sunday, Israel and Hezbollah each claimed to have fired at targets in the other’s territory. However, the rocket attack from Lebanon did not appear to be the major retaliation Hezbollah had threatened following the recent assassination of one of its senior commanders. Hezbollah reported launching dozens of rockets at the northern Israeli village of Beit Hillel.
In Holon, Israel, two people were stabbed to death and two others were injured in what police suspect was a terrorist attack. The suspect, who was in his 20s and from the Israeli-occupied West Bank, was also killed.
In Gaza, a strike hit a group of tents where displaced people were staying outside Al Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. This attack killed four people and injured at least 15 others. Videos showed people fighting flames and rescuing the injured. The Israeli military said it had targeted a person involved in terrorist activities in that area but did not confirm if it was related to the strike on the tents.
Israeli forces have recently found and destroyed many tunnels around the Philadelphi Corridor, a strip of land in southern Gaza near the Egyptian border. The military revealed a tunnel that was nearly 10 feet high. The presence of Israeli forces in this area is a key issue in ongoing indirect talks between Israel and Hamas regarding a cease-fire and a potential exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners.
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Heatwave Complicates Polio Vaccination Campaign in Gaza
- Polio Risk and Vaccine Supply Issues The United Nations warns that polio is likely circulating in Gaza, and aid agencies are preparing to launch a vaccination campaign with over one million doses. About 18,000 doses are already on the way. However, the effort is facing significant challenges.
- Challenges in Getting Supplies into Gaza Getting humanitarian supplies into Gaza has been very difficult. The ongoing conflict has severely damaged Gaza’s health care system, making it hard to distribute aid. Polio vaccines need to be kept cold, and the summer heat has already caused some food supplies to spoil while waiting to be delivered.
- Poliovirus Detected in Wastewater The World Health Organization found traces of the poliovirus in wastewater samples from Gaza. This raises concerns about a possible outbreak, which could also affect Israel. The Palestinian Health Ministry plans to retest the samples to confirm the findings.
- Difficulties in Aid Distribution Aid groups face numerous obstacles, including Israeli security restrictions, damaged roads, and attacks on aid convoys. These issues have made it hard to deliver enough food, water, fuel, and medical supplies. The closure of a major border crossing in May has worsened the situation.
- Need for a Functional Health System Health officials say that just distributing food isn’t enough. Gaza needs a working health care system, clean water, and proper sanitation to prevent the spread of diseases. In addition to polio, other health problems like hepatitis A, respiratory infections, and diarrhea are already on the rise.
- Efforts to Facilitate Aid Israel claims it is helping by allowing aid through various routes, including airdrops. However, many people in Gaza can’t afford to buy food, and aid often gets delayed or stranded due to security issues and looting. The U.N. says that the actual number of trucks delivering aid is lower than the number Israel reports, as trucks are often only half full and must be reloaded.