Israel–Hezbollah conflict (2023–present) facts for kids
A conflict between the Lebanese group Hezbollah and Israel started on October 8, 2023. Hezbollah fired rockets and artillery at Israeli areas after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7. This led to many bombings and forced many people to leave their homes in both Israel and Lebanon. This conflict is part of a larger crisis in the Middle East. A brief invasion of Lebanon by Israel in 2024 was the biggest escalation since the 2006 Lebanon War.
Hezbollah began firing rockets and artillery at Israeli positions on October 8, 2023. They stated this was to support Palestinians after the Hamas attack and the start of Israeli actions in Gaza. Israel responded with drone strikes and artillery. Many people had to leave their homes. About 96,000 people in northern Israel and over 1.4 million in Lebanon were displaced by late October 2023. Hezbollah said its attacks would continue until Israel stopped its military actions in Gaza. Israel said its attacks would continue until its citizens could safely return home.
In September 2024, Israel increased its actions. They used electronic device attacks against Hezbollah's communication systems. Later, important leaders of the group, like Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah and his successor, Hashem Safieddine, were killed in targeted attacks.
On October 1, 2024, the Israeli military started an invasion of southern Lebanon. Israel's actions greatly weakened Hezbollah's military setup and destroyed many of its missiles.
A 60-day ceasefire started on November 27, 2024. This agreement required Hezbollah fighters to move north of the Litani River. This is about 30 miles (48 km) from the Israeli border. Israel also started to pull its forces out of southern Lebanon. The Lebanese Army sent about 5,000 soldiers to keep watch and maintain peace. Five countries, led by the United States, are monitoring the ceasefire. Israel can still attack if there are immediate threats. The ceasefire was extended to February 18, 2025. By then, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had left most of southern Lebanon.
However, on December 3, 2024, Hezbollah fired two rockets at the Shebaa Farms. They said this was a warning because Israel had broken the ceasefire. In response, Israel launched strikes in southern Lebanon, and nine people lost their lives.
One year after the ceasefire, the conflict is still ongoing. There are almost daily attacks by Israel into Lebanon.
See also
In Spanish: Guerra libanesa-israelí (2023-2024) para niños
