- Hezbollah’s leader warns of escalation
- Concerns regarding Israel-Hamas conflict
- U.S. emphasizes restraint, civilian protection
Hassan Nasrallah stated that the Lebanese front was “open to all possibilities” and that the organization was “prepared for any eventuality.”
The leader of Hezbollah in Lebanon has issued a dire threat of escalation in light of his organization’s cross-border conflict with Israel.
U.S. Response and Calls for Restraint
Hassan Nasrallah stated in his first address since the outbreak of the war that all options were available on the Lebanese front and that the group was “prepared for all possibilities,” including American warships.
We will not be alarmed by your fleets in the Mediterranean,” he declared of American military presence there.
Protection of Palestinian Civilians
Although Hezbollah refrained from explicitly declaring its complete involvement in the Israel-Hamas conflict, Nasrallah did state that all options are “on the table” and that the battling along the Lebanon-Israel border would “not be limited” to the extent that has been observed thus far.
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Thousands attend the speech of the Hezbollah leader.
Hamas launched an assault against Israel on October 7. Nasrallah categorically ruled that the attack was “100% Palestinian” and refuted any implication of Hezbollah complicity.
Additionally, he honored the “martyrs” of Palestine and Lebanon who perished in the conflict.
He proclaimed, “Peace be upon you all, my brothers and sisters.” “Today, we gather in remembrance of those who served as exemplars for Hezbollah.”
Thousands watched the address live on Beirut Television as celebratory gunshots resonated around the metropolis.
The “Axis of Resistance,” Iran’s military coalition against the US and Israel, includes Nasrallah.
His remarks come the day after Hezbollah launched what appeared to be its most significant assault on Israel to date.
It claimed to have launched 19 simultaneous attacks on Israeli army sites using explosive drones for the first time.
Israel is urged by Blinken to “do the right and lawful thing.”
Amid this, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel, during which he emphasized the need for “continued efforts to prevent the escalation of this conflict” between the two countries.
During a news conference in Tel Aviv, he stated, “The United States has responded to attacks by Iran’s proxies and will continue to do so in order to defend our personnel in the region, including those stationed in Iraq and Syria to prevent the resurgence of ISIS.” As previously stated, we will take the necessary measures to deter and respond to any attacks.
Mr. Blinken, who is making his third visit to Israel since the outbreak of the conflict, also accused Hamas of using Palestinian civilians as human shields but stated that they have no justification to “suffer” in Israel’s attacks on Gaza.
“More must be done to protect Palestinian civilians,” he stated.
“We have made it abundantly obvious that the manner in which Israel executes its campaign to vanquish Hamas is crucial. It matters because doing so is both proper and legal.
Neglecting to do so caters to the interests of Hamas and other extremist organizations.
If apparent indifference overwhelms them, there will be no peace partners.
After seeing photos of Palestinian youngsters “pulled from the rubble of buildings,” Mr. Blinken asked, “How could we not?”
Further, he stated that Joe Biden, the president of the United States, has “repeatedly emphasized Israel’s obligation to operate in accordance with international law.”
Additionally, Mr. Blinken advocated for a “continued influx of humanitarian aid into Gaza.”
Reestablishing the path towards a two-state resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, he said, was the only “guarantor” of a democratic and secure Israel and an independent Palestine.
Mr. Blinken stated that work on that must commence “today, not tomorrow, and not after today.”
Mr. Netanyahu, meanwhile, has cautioned Hezbollah against testing Israel.
The Israeli prime minister stated, “I warn our northern adversaries not to put us to the test; they shall pay a steep price.
He threatened to advance in Gaza and that Hamas cannot reach a truce without freeing over 240 Israeli hostages.
“Israel refuses a temporary ceasefire that does not include the return of our hostages,” according to him.
Daniel Hagari, a spokesman for the Israeli military, reported on Thursday that Israeli forces have surrounded Gaza City.
According to him, Israeli forces have been identifying and dismantling explosives to allow troops to move freely.