The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has reached new levels of intensity as Israeli forces continue to launch heavy airstrikes against both Gaza and Lebanon. Iran has responded to the escalating situation by cancelling all flights within its airspace until Monday morning, raising concerns of further military escalation in the region.

Israeli Strikes in Lebanon and Gaza

In southern Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes have targeted the suburbs of Beirut and areas near the historic city of Baalbek, known for its Roman ruins and UNESCO World Heritage status. Local authorities report dozens of casualties, including civilians, as explosions rocked the region. The strikes have raised fears over the safety of Lebanon’s cultural heritage sites, including the famous Temple of Bacchus and Temple of Jupiter.

The escalation has also displaced a large portion of Lebanon’s population, with government figures showing over a million people fleeing their homes since the strikes began in September. Lebanon’s Education Ministry has postponed the start of the school year to November 4, with many schools repurposed as shelters for displaced families. Children, like 14-year-old Ali al-Akbar, have taken refuge in these makeshift shelters, as their families grapple with the dangers posed by ongoing air raids.

Meanwhile, Gaza has been hit with relentless bombardment from Israeli forces, who have called for mass evacuations from northern areas such as Jabalia. Palestinian officials report that at least 41,870 people have been killed, with thousands more wounded. The death toll includes many civilians, among them children, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis that has gripped the region. In one recent attack, an Israeli strike on a mosque in central Gaza killed over 20 people, adding to the growing casualty count.

Children Face Long-Term Trauma

The conflict’s impact on children is particularly devastating. Experts like Dr. Samah Jabr, a psychiatrist with the Palestinian Health Ministry, have warned of the lasting psychological damage to children who have lived through months of bombings. “The damage is both physical and psychological,” Jabr said, noting that children in Gaza face not only the immediate horrors of war but also long-term mental health challenges. The loss of routine, disrupted education, and the inability of parents to provide stability have created a "traumatogenic" environment for Gaza’s youth.

In Lebanon, the situation is similarly dire. The postponement of the school year, combined with the mass displacement of students, has left children without access to education or a sense of normalcy. Many parents, like Batoul Arouni, are skeptical that schools will reopen as planned. “No mother wants her child to miss out on school, but this year, I’d rather he stayed by my side, as nowhere in Lebanon is safe anymore,” Arouni said.

Iran Cancels Flights Amid Rising Tensions

As the violence escalates, Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization has announced the cancellation of all flights until 6 a.m. local time on Monday. Iranian officials have not provided a clear explanation for the cancellations, but experts believe it may be a precautionary measure as tensions between Israel and Iran continue to rise. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued threats against Iran in the wake of missile attacks, and Tehran has warned of a “crushing” response if Israel launches an attack.

Tohid Asadi, a Tehran-based expert on Iranian affairs, noted the significance of the flight cancellations. “We do not know if this is a defensive or offensive measure or simply a precaution,” he told Al Jazeera, adding that the situation must be closely monitored.

Netanyahu Vows Victory

Visiting soldiers on the Lebanese border, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed victory against Hezbollah, praising the Israeli military for its efforts. “The whole world is amazed by the blows you are delivering to our enemies, and I salute you,” he said. Since September, Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon have claimed more than 1,100 lives.

A Region on the Brink

As the conflict between Israel, Hezbollah, and Palestinian factions' rages on, the situation in the region remains volatile and unpredictable. International actors are closely watching Iran’s next moves, while the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Lebanon continues to deepen. With both sides digging in and the death toll rising, the hope for peace seems distant.

The world is left to grapple with the devastating consequences of a war that shows no signs of abating, as civilians in Lebanon, Gaza, and Israel endure the toll of this intensifying conflict.