Background
Masrah Al Arab
Beirut, Lebanon
Despite a history of conflict between the government of Israel and the organisation Hezbollah, which was formed in opposition to Israeli occupation of Southern Lebanon, the most recent conflict began after the abduction of two Israeli Defence Force (IDF) soldiers on the Israeli-Lebanese border. Israel responded by attacking roads, bridges, airports, villages, cities and Hezbollah strongholds, resulting in Hezbollah and civilian casualties thought to number between 500 and 1400 deaths. Mortar attacks by Hezbollah on the cities in the north of Israel resulted in 40 civilian deaths and some IDF losses. Although no peace agreement has been signed, a ceasefire is in place.
