Israel waging 'war of aggression' against entire population of Lebanon, not just Hezbollah: Aid agency

By Leila Nezirevic

LONDON (AA) – A Norwegian humanitarian aid organization said on Friday that Israel is waging “a war of aggression” against Lebanon and its entire population, not just Hezbollah, local media reported.

“It is high time that the world dares to call a spade a spade. We are witnessing a war of aggression,” local news agency NTB quoted Norwegian People's Aid Secretary General Raymond Johansen as saying.

Johansen said Israeli authorities have launched a large-scale war affecting the entire country and population.

Israel has mounted a massive air campaign in Lebanon since last month against what it claims are Hezbollah targets, escalating a year-long cross-border conflict between Israel and the Lebanese group that began with Israel's brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip.

Tel Aviv expanded the conflict this year by launching an incursion into southern Lebanon on Oct. 1.

Johansen warned that the world could be facing a new Gaza unless a cease-fire is achieved in Lebanon.

“If a cease-fire is not put in place as soon as possible, we could end up facing a new Gaza,” he said.

Since the 2006 war, the Norwegian People's Aid has been clearing mines and explosives in southern Lebanon.

Israel has continued a devastating offensive on Gaza since an attack in October of last year by the Palestinian resistance group, Hamas, despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire.

More than 42,800 people have since been killed, mostly women and children, and over 100,500 others injured, according to local health authorities.

The Israeli onslaught has displaced almost the territory’s entire population amid an ongoing blockade that has led to severe shortages of food, clean water, and medicine.

Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in Gaza.​​​​​​​