Lebanon Parliament Extends Term Amid Conflict with Israel

The Lebanese parliament extended its term by two years amid an ongoing conflict with Israel. This decision came after intensified warfare displaced over half a million people, complicating scheduled elections. Human Rights Watch accused Israel of using illegal white phosphorus in southern Lebanon. The controversial munition reportedly impacts civilians severely.

The Lebanese parliament has voted to extend its term by two years, citing the US-Israel war with Iran and increased Israeli attacks on Lebanon as key reasons. According to the country's state news agency, 76 legislators supported the decision while 41 opposed, with four abstentions. Hezbollah's 13-member parliamentary bloc backed the extension.

Concurrently, the Israeli military announced it was targeting Hezbollah's financial operations and carried out 'focused raids' on the group's infrastructures in southern Lebanon. This military action, part of an ongoing war with Israel that began last week, has displaced over half a million people, complicating the possibility of holding the scheduled May elections.

Human Rights Watch has reported that Israel allegedly used white phosphorus in southern Lebanon, violating international law. The incendiary munition, which can cause severe harm to civilians, was reportedly deployed in residential areas of Yohmor. While the Israeli military has stated it uses white phosphorus solely as a smoke screen, the situation raises serious humanitarian concerns.

(With inputs from agencies.)