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Israeli Strikes Kill Four in Lebanon; Iran War Causes Fuel Shortages
Israeli forces conducted strikes in southern Lebanon, killing four people and wounding others, in violation of a ceasefire with Hezbollah that began on April 17. Hezbollah's leader vowed to retain weapons amid ongoing tensions. The broader US-Iran war has closed the Strait of Hormuz, leading to jet fuel shortages and the UAE's decision to quit OPEC.
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Israeli military strikes in southern Lebanon killed four people, including a woman, and wounded 51 others, among them three children, Lebanon's health ministry reported. The attacks occurred despite a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah that took effect on April 17.
An AFP tally based on health ministry figures indicates at least 40 people have died in Lebanon from Israeli strikes since the truce began. The Israel Defense Forces stated that the strikes targeted over 20 Hezbollah positions and infrastructure in southern Lebanon and the Beqaa Valley, including weapons manufacturing sites.
and Responses Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim
Qassem vowed that the group would not relinquish its weapons or defenses. He described a recent meeting between Lebanese and Israeli officials as a gratuitous and humiliating concession by the Lebanese government. Qassem rejected direct negotiations with Israel.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that both Israel and Lebanon are victims of Hezbollah. Lebanon reported four additional deaths from Israeli strikes, bringing the post-ceasefire total to at least 40, and questioned Israel's justifications for the attacks.
The UAE announced it will quit OPEC and OPEC+ effective May 1, citing national interests and geopolitical volatility from disruptions in the Arabian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz. This move deals a blow to the oil-exporting groups, which produce about 35 percent of global crude oil.
Jet fuel shortages are emerging due to the war, with Sweden's Energy Minister Ebba Busch warning of potential shortages. The head of the International Air Transport Association, Willie Walsh, said the crisis would hit Asia first, followed by Europe, Africa, and Latin America, potentially leading to flight cancellations and higher costs passed to consumers.
