Why Lebanon remains caught up in the Israel-Iran conflict

Lebanon continues to experience conflict despite a potential Israel-Iran ceasefire, with the southern Lebanese town of Boustan reporting Israeli shelling on May 21, 2024. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for launching rockets at an Israeli military site in Avivim on the same day, indicating ongoing hostilities. The conflict's impact on Lebanon is severe, with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reporting that between October 2023 and May 2024, approximately 90,000 people in Lebanon were displaced due to the hostilities. This displacement includes around 28,000 children, highlighting the significant humanitarian toll. The OCHA also noted that 70% of the displaced population originates from southern Lebanon, underscoring the direct impact of cross-border fighting. The ongoing violence has disrupted essential services, with reports indicating damage to agricultural land and infrastructure. The situation remains volatile, with international efforts to de-escalate the conflict facing significant challenges.