Tensions between Israel and neighbouring state Lebanon have escalated since the senior Hamas official Saleh al-Arouri was killed in a targeted assassination in Beirut, Lebanon on 2 January 2024. Hezbollah, Hamas' Lebanese ally and a Shia Islamist political and militant group, claim that Israel is responsible for the attacks while Isreal has denied the allegation. Following the killing, Lebanon has filed a complaint to the UN Security Council describing the incident as the “most dangerous phase” of Israel’s attacks on Lebanon.
The prospect of a broader regional conflict is growing as video footages of Israeli warplanes dropping internationally banned white phosphorus on residential areas in Al-Khayaam, South Lebanon are being shared on social media. See an X post of the alleged Israeli attacks on Lebanon:
Israel just bombed a residential area in South, Lebanon with banned phosphorus munitions, violated Security Council resolution SCR 1701 and international law with absolutely no consequences.
— Mohamad Safa (@mhdksafa) January 6, 2024
This is another war crime and the International Criminal Court remains silent. pic.twitter.com/lBYKdaUbUE
