Violence Escalates Across Gaza and Lebanon Amid Calls for Evacuation

The ongoing crisis in the Middle East has intensified, with the UN Security Council issuing a strong warning on October 30 against attempts to dismantle the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (Unrwa). This comes amid escalating violence in Gaza and Lebanon.

At least 30 people were killed in a fresh airstrike on Gaza, bringing the reported Palestinian death toll to over 43,000 since the offensive began in October 2023, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Israeli airstrikes have also targeted southern Lebanon, including Baalbek and the Bekaa Valley, following an evacuation order for several regions.

In Lebanon, Hezbollah’s new leader vowed to uphold the war strategy of his predecessor, Hassan Nasrallah. The group claimed responsibility for targeting an Israeli base in Haifa, while Israeli forces reported killing a high-ranking Hezbollah commander.

The UN Security Council’s statement comes after Israel’s parliament voted to ban Unrwa, sparking widespread criticism. The agency provides essential aid to millions of Palestinian refugees. The United States has also voiced opposition to what it termed Israeli efforts to “starve” Palestinians in northern Gaza.

In a related development, Syrians fleeing the Israel-Hezbollah conflict risk abuse upon returning home, according to Human Rights Watch. Meanwhile, discussions about a potential truce between Israel and Hezbollah are reportedly ongoing.

The crisis continues to unfold with significant humanitarian implications as calls for peace remain unanswered.