In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, tensions have escalated further as the militant group continues to launch attacks on Israeli targets. The recent surge in violence has resulted in casualties and damage in southern Lebanon, causing concerns among Lebanese citizens who criticize Hezbollah's role in the conflict.

Hezbollah, which has experienced significant losses in its fight against Israel, resides in villages and towns in southern Lebanon. As a result, these areas have suffered extensive damage and numerous casualties. This has led to increased criticism of the group for the toll it is taking on the country.

Hezbollah's senior members, including Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah and his deputy Naim Qassem, are attempting to bolster the resilience of southern Lebanese residents who bear the brunt of the fighting. They highlight the organization's efforts to support Gaza from populated areas in Lebanon, justifying the sacrifices made by the local population.

During a memorial ceremony for Hezbollah casualties, Naim Qassem emphasized the three principles of the organization - refusal to give in to threats, unwavering support for Gaza, and a refusal to discuss Lebanon's future until the Gaza war ceases. He warned that any discussions on the matter would be a waste of time and stressed that future confrontations with Israel would be even more severe than the 2006 war.

Hassan Nasrallah has dedicated a significant part of his recent speeches to honoring the organization's casualties, the wounded, and their families. He acknowledges that it is the residents of the southern border villages who face the greatest burden and suffer the most from Israel's presence. Nasrallah asserts that the Lebanese front aims to weaken Israel until attacks on Gaza halt.

Western officials have been actively trying to prevent an escalation between Israel and Hezbollah. Efforts are underway to reach an agreement to stop the fighting. However, the recent escalation in the northern region has seen an increase in casualties counted by Hezbollah. Whether this will lead to a rise in the scope or intensity of attacks against Israel remains uncertain.

Following a rocket attack that claimed the life of an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldier in Safed, the IDF retaliated with increased attacks in southern Lebanon. In response, Hezbollah fired at least 35 rockets and two anti-tank missiles towards the city of Kiryat Shmona. Thankfully, there were no casualties reported. The Israeli Air Force responded by targeting three Hezbollah military compounds and additional infrastructure in southern Lebanon.

The situation has raised concerns among residents in Kiryat Shmona, with one individual criticizing the government's handling of the conflict and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant's aggressive stance towards Hezbollah. The resident questions the level of escalation being pursued and expresses dissatisfaction with the ongoing power outages and disruptions caused by the attacks.

As these hostilities continue, tensions remain high in southern Lebanon. The international community, including Western officials, are working towards de-escalation and a peaceful resolution to the conflict. However, the volatility of the situation and Hezbollah's determination to support Gaza indicate that the conflict is far from over.