The Israeli military has mandated the evacuation of all residents in Baalbeck, a city located in eastern Lebanon, along with its surrounding regions and key routes in the Bekaa Valley. This evacuation order notably encompasses the ancient Roman temple complex, a site recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage location.
According to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, the ongoing conflict has resulted in over 2,790 fatalities and approximately 12,700 injuries since the escalation began on October 8, 2023. This escalation followed Hezbollah’s rocket assaults on Israeli territory, prompting retaliatory actions. Israeli ground forces launched an invasion into southern Lebanon at the onset of October, intensifying military engagements in the region.
On another front, several United Nations agencies have united in support of UNRWA, the organization aiding Palestinian refugees. This follows actions from Israel’s parliament aimed at prohibiting UNRWA’s operations in the ensuing months. The foreign ministers of both Cyprus and Luxembourg have voiced that the U.N. agency plays an “indispensable” role in providing critical services such as food, education, and health care to Palestinians in need. Furthermore, Turkey’s Foreign Ministry criticized Israel’s motion, labeling it a “clear violation of international law.”
In response to military actions, the Biden administration is currently seeking clarifications regarding an Israeli strike in a northern Gaza town that reportedly claimed the lives of at least 88 individuals, including many women and children, according to Palestinian reports. The overall toll from the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas has surpassed 43,000, as confirmed by Palestinian officials; however, the figures do not separate civilian casualties from combatants. The hostilities reignited following a significant attack by Hamas militants on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths, primarily civilians, alongside the abduction of 250 individuals.
In recent developments, Israel’s evacuation order for Baalbeck marks an unprecedented step in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. Reports indicate that on the same day, a drone strike targeted a vehicle on the major Aaraya highway, which connects Beirut to the Bekaa Valley, about 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the Lebanese capital. Another vehicle was hit in Bchamoun, located around the same distance southeast of Beirut, marking the first such targeted attack in this area during the current conflict. Details regarding casualties and the specific targets remain unconfirmed.
On the international front, Norway has proactively sought clarity on Israel’s duties under international law pertaining to the restriction of aid to Palestinians. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre emphasized that the international community cannot tolerate systematic barriers hindering humanitarian efforts in Palestine. He expressed that such obstacles infringe upon the Palestinians’ right to essential aid, thus necessitating a response.
UNRWA, crucially providing services to millions of Palestinians, continues to be a focal point in discussions about humanitarian assistance amid the ongoing conflict. The recent legislation passed in Israel, which aims to limit UNRWA’s operational capabilities, follows accusations from Israel suggesting that the agency has been infiltrated by Hamas. UNRWA has firmly denied these claims, reiterating its commitment to neutrality and proactive measures against any misconduct by its staff.
In response to these pressing humanitarian challenges, Norway has called for a resolution in the U.N. General Assembly, requesting the International Court of Justice to offer an advisory opinion on Israel’s obligations as an occupying power regarding the facilitation of aid to Palestinians. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide articulated, underlining that no nation can bypass its responsibilities as dictated by international law. He further noted that this initiative highlights a wider trend of leaders undermining humanitarian efforts during conflicts that must be addressed decisively.