The volatile landscape of the Middle East faces another shake-up as Israel conducted a targeted strike in Lebanon's Dahiyeh, resulting in the death of senior Hezbollah military commander Fouad Shokor. This move comes just three days after a rocket attack in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights claimed the lives of 12 individuals.
Dahiyeh, a predominantly Shiite suburb of Beirut, has long been under the strong influence of Hezbollah, both militarily and politically. Despite the pervasive economic and political crises that have beleaguered Lebanon since 2019, residents of Dahiyeh have maintained a semblance of safety and community, thanks to Hezbollah's persistent security presence and the close-knit nature of the area.
During a recent visit from July 20 to July 30, an observer noted the stark contrast between the impoverished conditions of Dahiyeh and the affluent downtown Beirut, highlighting a significant social divide that burdens the country's economy. In Dahiyeh, amidst demolished blocks and scars of past conflicts, life continues with resilience as Hezbollah has established various educational, health, and media institutions to support the community.
The assassination of Fouad Shokor is likely to trigger retaliatory actions from Hezbollah, exacerbating the already tense relations between Israel and Lebanon. Since last October, the Israeli-Lebanese border has witnessed near-daily exchanges of attacks, creating an environment of persistent instability and uncertainty in the region.
This latest development underscores the fragile state of peace in the Middle East and raises concerns about the potential for further escalation. As both sides brace for possible retaliation, the international community watches closely, hoping for a de-escalation to prevent deeper chaos in an already tumultuous area.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
