Escalation of violence in the Middle East: after Nasrallah's killing, Israeli raids in Lebanon, Syria and Yemen.

Escalation of violence in the Middle East, with serious geopolitical and humanitarian repercussions. Hassan Nasrallah, leader of Hezbollah, has been killed along with 20 other commanders of the group in an Israeli air strike conducted in the southern suburbs of Beirut. Nasrallah's body was recovered intact, but according to initial hypotheses he died of suffocation, perhaps due to the inhalation of explosive gases or due to a pulmonary edema caused by the displacement of air.

Despite the death of their leader, Hezbollah acted quickly, appointing Hashem Safieddine as its new leader. This move highlights the group’s desire to keep its organizational structure intact and continue to exert its power in the regional context.

Israeli attacks in Yemen

In parallel, Israel has also expanded its military campaign in Yemen, targeting positions of the Iranian-backed Houthi movement. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), dozens of fighter jets, refueling and intelligence aircraft participated in the strikes, focusing on the ports of Ras Isa and Hodeidah, as well as the city's international airport. Strategic targets such as power plants and oil storage facilities were destroyed, with the stated aim of disrupting Iranian arms flows to the Houthis.

Israel justified these attacks as a direct response to recent attacks by the Houthis against Israeli territory, highlighting the role of Iran and Iraqi militias in destabilizing the region.

The humanitarian crisis in Lebanon

The escalation of violence in Lebanon has had a devastating effect on the civilian population. Israeli airstrikes, which intensified after Nasrallah's death, have left at least 105 people dead and 359 injured, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health. The UN has also confirmed that more than 200.000 people have been forced to flee their homes, with 50.000 Lebanese and Syrian nationals seeking refuge in Syria.

Relief operations for the displaced are ongoing, but the situation remains critical. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has expressed grave concern about the scale of the humanitarian crisis.

International Reactions: The US and Iran's Response

US President Joe Biden reiterated the need to avoid a full-scale war in the Middle East. While acknowledging the complexity of the conflict, Biden said he intends to speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, although he did not specify when. The last direct dialogue between the two dates back to August.

Meanwhile, the United States is increasing its military presence in the region. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered a reinforcement of defensive air support capabilities and has put American troops on alert, ready to intervene in the event of further escalations.

On the other hand, Iran has responded firmly. Ahmadi Vahidi, a former commander of the Pasdaran and a member of the Discernment Council, said that all Hezbollah commanders killed in recent Israeli raids have already been replaced. According to Vahidi, the new generation of Hezbollah leaders is ready to strike the Israeli regime with force and determination.

Netanyahu's Statements and the Pope's Position

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke openly about the changing balance of power in the region, suggesting that Israel, despite being in an advantageous position, still faces difficult days. Netanyahu stressed that internal cohesion will be crucial for Israel during these times of uncertainty and conflict.

On the international front, the Pope expressed concern about the disproportionate nature of the Israeli response, calling actions that go beyond the limits of legitimate defense “immoral.” According to the pontiff, any defense must be proportionate to the attack suffered, avoiding further fueling violence.

Israeli attacks in Yemen and rising tensions with the Houthis amplify the risk of a regional conflict. As the United States and the United Nations seek to contain the escalation, instability and the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon are an immediate and urgent concern for the international community.