5 things to know about escalation in the Middle East

By Michael Merryman-Lotze; reprinted with permission; originally written for AFSC (American Friends Service Committee) https://afsc.org/news/5-things-know-about-escalation-middle-east; Also, see AFSC's Gaza page: https://afsc.org/crisis-gaza 

Updated Sep 25, 2024

 

                        Kathleen McQillen of Des Moines, director of Catholic Peace Ministry (Krieg/ AFSC)

 Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon have killed hundreds of people and wounded many more. The strikes came a week after Israel detonated explosives hidden in electronic devices allegedly belonging to members of Hezbollah. These explosions came less than 24 hours after the Israeli War Cabinet announced an expansion of their objectives in relation to the Lebanese border. Now, Israel is preparing for a potential ground invasion of Lebanon.

 The widening conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has brought the Middle East closer to an all-out war. Israeli officials have argued that it is necessary to escalate violence to achieve long-term de-escalation. And so far, U.S. leaders have done little to push for an end to these recent hostilities even though it is clear that the escalation will only lead to more violence and death.

 AFSC mourns all who have been killed or injured. As we have throughout our history, AFSC opposes violence in all its forms. We will keep up our work for the changes needed to end violence and build a just and lasting peace. 

 The best way to stop this violence—in Lebanon, in the West Bank, in Gaza, and across the region—is for the U.S. to enact an immediate arms embargo on Israel while demanding a cease-fire in Gaza. The Biden administration has the power to stop the flow of weapons to Israel and end U.S. complicity in genocide and war crimes. These actions would end violence in Gaza and reduce tensions in the region.  

 As we keep up our call for peace, it is important to understand the context in which this violence is taking place. Here are five things you need to know:

 1. The recent attacks in Lebanon are among a series of attacks between Hezbollah and Israel over nearly a year.

On Oct. 8, 2023, Hezbollah fired rockets toward Israel and Israel bombed Lebanon. Hezbollah said its attacks were a response to Israel’s attacks on Gaza, which came after the Oct. 7 Hamas attack in Israel.  

 Between Oct. 8, 2023 and Sept. 6, 2024, there were 9,613 armed exchanges between Israel and parties in Lebanon, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data. Eighty-two percent of attacks were carried out by Israel. Israel attacks killed at least 646 people in Lebanon, including at least 133 civilians, and displaced 100,000 Lebanese citizens. These attacks included the July 30 assassination of Hezbollah leader Fuad Shuker in Beirut.

 During the same period, Hezbollah and other groups in Lebanon carried out 1,768 attacks against Israel, killing at least 32 Israelis. These attacks have forced approximately 60,000 Israelis from their homes.

 Prior to the September pager attack in Lebanon, Hezbollah had said that it would end its attacks on Israel if Israel agreed to a permanent cease-fire in Gaza. However, Israel has indicated that it is ready to escalate the conflict with HezboIlah.

 

2. Israel’s exploding of electronic devices across Lebanon was an illegal and indiscriminate act.

Videos have emerged in Lebanon showing explosions in supermarkets, phone repair stores, hospitals, homes, and even at funerals. Those who triggered these explosions had no way of knowing who was holding these devices or where they were. Many who were injured or killed were not involved in active conflict, including a diplomat, doctors, and other civilians. 

 Nine-year-old Fatima Abdullah was the youngest victim in this attack. She was reportedly killed when she picked up her father’s pager to bring it to him. 

 Under international law, such indiscriminate attacks are considered war crimes. The use of booby traps is also explicitly prohibited by a treaty that both Israel and Lebanon have signed. The international community must hold those responsible for violations of the law accountable.

 

3. Escalation is a choice.

The escalation in Lebanon and the attacks carried out by both Hezbollah and Israel stem directly from Israel’s genocide in Gaza. In just under a year, Israel has killed at least 41,000 Palestinians and displaced over 90% of Gaza’s population. Children are starving. Polio and other diseases are spreading.

 This year has also seen record levels of violence in the West Bank. Since Oct. 7, at least 700 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli soldiers and settlers in the West Bank. Nearly a quarter of those killed have been children. At least 10,700 Palestinians in the West Bank have been detained, and over 4,500 have been forcibly displaced.

 The path toward peace is clear. Hezbollah has pledged to stop its attacks on Israel if there is a cease-fire in Gaza. A cease-fire would not only end the genocide in Gaza but also prevent a catastrophic regional war. 

 

4. U.S. weapons and support for Israel are fueling violence in the region. 

Over the last year, the U.S. has provided Israel with more than $20 billion in military aid and support.  Even while claiming to support cease-fire efforts, the U.S. has shipped Israel bombs that are being used to obliterate families in Gaza. If the U.S. stopped sending Israel new weapons, it is estimated that Israel would run out of key armaments in less than two months.

 U.S. funding for Israel has continued for decades despite global concerns over Israeli policies and actions, providing $3.8 billion in military funding annually. The U.S. keeps up its support even as Israel refuses a cease-fire, opposes a Palestinian state, and faces accusations of war crimes and genocide.

 For violence to end, U.S. policy must change. The U.S. must join other countries in calling for accountability for Israel and an end to Israeli apartheid.

 

5.  You can take action to help bring change.

Everyone has a role to play in stopping the violence and ending the occupation. Here are a few things you can do right now.

 Tell Congress to stop the spread of war across the Middle East.  Urge them to insist that Israel adhere to international humanitarian and human rights law and end attacks in Lebanon and other countries. Demand that they support an arms embargo on Israel and call for a permanent cease-fire for Gaza.

 Donate to humanitarian aid efforts in Gaza. AFSC’s staff in Gaza is providing food, water, hygiene kits, and other life-saving aid to displaced Palestinians.  Your support will help individuals and families impacted by the ongoing attacks.

 Join the Apartheid-Free campaign. Quaker meetings, congregations, communities, and other groups are taking action to oppose Israeli occupation, apartheid, and settler colonialism that are at the roots of violence in Israel and Palestine. Learn more about how you can join us.

 Learn more. Explore our resources and learn more about ASFC’s humanitarian work on the ground in Gaza and our advocacy efforts in the U.S. to change policy and spur action.

 

 Mike Merryman-Lotze serves as AFSC's Just Peace Global Policy Director. As a member of the Global Policy, Strategy, and Advocacy Department, Mike leads AFSC’s global peace building policy work, supporting both US and International staff and programs.