World Rejoices at US-Iran Ceasefire, But Israel Continues Attacks on Lebanon
Amid news sparking joy among the world’s citizens regarding the US-Iran ceasefire, eight people were reported killed and 28 others injured in an Israeli attack near the seaside edge of the city of Sidon on Tuesday night (7/4), according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.
“Eight people were killed and 28 others injured due to an enemy airstrike on a seaside cafe in the city of Sidon, southern Lebanon,” the statement said on Wednesday.
On Tuesday night, the Lebanese National News Agency (NNA) reported that the Israeli air force had launched an airstrike in the seaside area in the centre of the city of Sidon.
The escalation of tensions between Israel and Hezbollah began on 2 March, when the Lebanese movement continued rocket attacks on Israeli territory amid joint US-Israeli military actions against Iran.
In retaliation, Israel launched massive attacks on Lebanon, including the southern region of the country, the Beqaa Valley, and the outskirts of Beirut.
On 16 March, the Israeli military also officially announced the launch of a ground operation in southern Lebanon.
Iran, through the Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters, has threatened to cripple the regional oil and gas sector if the US and Israel continue to attack their infrastructure.
Iran proposed 10 points to end the war and claimed that Trump agreed to use them as the basis for negotiations, including issues related to the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions, and uranium enrichment.
The UN confirmed the death of an Indonesian UNIFIL personnel on 29 March due to fire from an Israeli Merkava tank, while the second incident was triggered by an IED.
The Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) announced Iran’s victory over the US. Washington is said to have accepted the 10-point conditions, including the lifting of sanctions and the withdrawal of troops.
Israeli authorities reportedly arrested four active soldiers suspected of involvement in espionage activities for Iran, including photographing sensitive locations.
Attacks on peacekeeping forces in Lebanon that killed TNI soldiers are seen as a critical point for Indonesia to review its involvement.
Israeli attacks struck Lebanon again, killing at least 15 people on Sunday (5/4) local time.
Tensions in the Middle East are rising. The British RAF intercepted an Iranian drone, while the US military successfully rescued two of its personnel from Iranian territory.
Security observer Muradi criticised the “enter bunker” instructions for TNI soldiers in Lebanon. He urged the government to provide a mandate for retaliatory strikes or withdraw the troops for safety reasons.
The government faces a policy dilemma with no truly comfortable option.