Charity ActionAid calls for de-escalation efforts as Israel, Hezbollah clash

The charity ActionAid has "urgently" called for an end to escalating cross-border clashes between Israel and the Lebanese group Hezbollah on Sunday.

Israel launched airstrikes into Lebanon, while Hezbollah fired rockets and drones at Israel and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

Hezbollah called the attack an initial response to the targeted killing of one of its founding members and top commanders, Fuad Shukr, in an Israeli strike in Beirut last month.

"As violence intensifies between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, the humanitarian situation in south Lebanon has reached a critical level," ActionAid said in a statement.

"ActionAid is issuing an urgent call for action to prevent further escalation and to address the severe humanitarian conditions in the region."

The organisation added that it was "calling for immediate diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation".

"The international community must act swiftly to prevent further loss of life and ensure that international humanitarian law is upheld, including the implementation of United Nations Resolution 1701, which calls for a complete cessation of hostilities between Lebanon and Israel," ActionAid said.

A soldier in the Israeli navy was killed in combat and two more wounded, the military said, with an official telling the AFP news agency their boat may have been hit by one of their own side's air-defence interceptors.

Hezbollah announced two of its fighters had been killed, while its ally the Amal movement also reported the death of a member.

ActionAid said there was a pressing need for increased humanitarian assistance to help those impacted by the latest uptick in the cross-border clashes, ongoing for more than 10 months amid Israel's war on Gaza.

"This includes providing medical care, food, shelter, and psychological support to the displaced and traumatised populations," the non-governmental organisation added.

"It is also vital to support Lebanon's political and economic stability to prevent further deterioration and ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those who need it most."

The humanitarian group said the situation in Lebanon was "dire", adding that the window to avoid a full-scale humanitarian catastrophe was "closing rapidly".

"ActionAid urges the international community to prioritise peace and stability, and to act decisively to support the people of Lebanon at this critical time," the group said.

Agencies contributed to this report.