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INTERNATIONAL

More than 68,000 Israelis evacuate cities amid ongoing Hezbollah strikes

By News Desk

October 03, 2024

Nearly a year after Hezbollah began launching missiles into northern Israel, more than 68,000 Israelis remain displaced, unsure of when—or if—they will be able to return home.

The conflict, which escalated after Hamas attacked Israel in October 2023, has opened a new front with Hezbollah, leading to relentless missile strikes on civilian communities near the Lebanon border.

Among the hardest-hit areas is Kiryat Shemona, where residents have been evacuated repeatedly due to the ongoing threat from Hezbollah.

The situation has left many wondering whether their hometowns will ever return to normal. A poll conducted in June revealed that 43% of Kiryat Shemona’s 30,000 residents are considering not going back, with 13% already deciding to permanently leave the area.

Many residents displaced from the north are now spending the Jewish New Year apart from their families, marking the first time in decades that they won’t be able to gather for the holidays.

“It’s very depressing,” one evacuee shared. “I don’t care about what’s happening elsewhere. My only concern is Kiryat Shemona.”

The escalating conflict has made the future uncertain for these communities.

Despite Israel’s ongoing military efforts against Hezbollah in Lebanon, the missile attacks have continued, leaving many residents displaced for nearly a year.

Israel’s military actions in Palestine have caused significant loss of life and devastation, particularly since October 7, 2023.

Over 41,500 Palestinians have died, including children, healthcare workers, UN personnel, paramedics, and journalists.

In defiance of human rights and international law, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has exacberated, where millions lack access to food, clean water, and medical care.

In Yemen and Syria, Israel’s involvement has further fueled conflicts marked by human rights violations.

In Yemen, the ongoing war, worsened by external interventions, has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced and at risk of famine.

While Israel’s direct role is limited, its support for certain factions contributes to the complex dynamics exacerbating civilian suffering.

In Syria, Israeli airstrikes have led to civilian casualties, raising serious concerns about accountability and the protection of human rights in these conflict zones.