Coastal Road Massacre

In March 1978, the Coastal Road Massacre marked a tragic event in Israeli-Palestinian relations when eleven armed Lebanese Palestinians hijacked a bus in Israel, resulting in the deaths of 38 individuals, including 13 children. This violent act was a direct opposition to the ongoing Egyptian-Israeli peace process, which aimed to stabilize relations in the region. The massacre prompted a swift military response from Israel, leading to the initiation of Operation Litani just three days later. Israeli forces crossed into southern Lebanon with the objective of targeting the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) bases responsible for the attack. The operation aimed to restore security and deter further attacks against Israeli citizens. Following international pressure, particularly from the United Nations, Israel withdrew its troops after the passage of United Nations Security Council Resolution 425. This resolution called for an Israeli withdrawal and the establishment of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to maintain peace in the region. The events of March 1978 significantly impacted the dynamics of Israeli-Lebanese relations and highlighted the complexities surrounding the peace process in the Middle East.