### Destruction in Southern Lebanon Amid Escalating Israel-Hezbollah Conflict

An analysis of satellite data by The Washington Post reveals that nearly a quarter of all buildings in 25 Lebanese municipalities near the Israeli border have been either damaged or destroyed as of Saturday. The data highlights the severe impact of Israel's ongoing land and air assaults against Hezbollah.

In these border regions, at least 5,868 buildings have sustained damage, with nearly half of the structures in Ayta al-Shab and Kfar Kila being the hardest hit. Most of this devastation, approximately 80 percent, has occurred since October 2, just a day after Israel intensified its military operations with a ground invasion.

The broader conflict, primarily centered around the Israel-Gaza war, has been ongoing for over a year, spilling over into neighboring Middle Eastern territories. On October 7, Hamas militants launched a significant cross-border attack on Israel, resulting in the death of approximately 1,200 people and the capture of several civilian hostages. Israel's response involved a robust military campaign against Hamas, culminating in a ground invasion and resulting in the largest regional displacement since the country's formation in 1948.

Additionally, in July 2024, the conflict escalated further with the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in an incident attributed to Israeli forces by Hamas. Meanwhile, clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, an Iran-supported militant group, have intensified over the past year. Israel's aerial bombardments in southern Lebanon have resulted in over 1,400 fatalities, including the death of Hezbollah's long-serving leader, Hasan Nasrallah.

The Israel-Lebanon border has historically been a hotspot for violence. Meanwhile, in the Gaza Strip, Israel's aggressive military actions have led to the current humanitarian crisis, resulting in the death of tens of thousands and placing half of the population under famine-like conditions. Despite increasing calls from Western allies to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza, Israel has resisted such pressures.

Throughout this turbulent period, the United States has continued its support for Israel through military aid and financial packages, despite occasional strains in relations between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. political figures, including President Biden. The U.S. has also consistently used its veto power or abstained from UN cease-fire resolutions, aligning with its longstanding support for Israel.

The deep-seated roots of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continue to exacerbate the current situation, with mistrust and animosity predating the establishment of Israel in 1948. The ongoing hostilities highlight the enduring and complex nature of this protracted conflict, affecting the lives of thousands and reshaping the regional landscape.