Hezbollah’s new leader Naim Qassem has declared that the group is equipped with tens of thousands of combatants, ready for conflict with Israel. The announcement comes as hostilities escalate following increased Israeli bombings in southern Lebanon. A recent Israeli airstrike in Barja resulted in at least 20 deaths and many injuries, amidst a backdrop of ongoing exchanges of fire. Meanwhile, Lebanon has filed a complaint with the UN over attacks on communication devices, urging international accountability. The situation raises fears of further turmoil in the region as diplomatic efforts for a truce stall.