The Lebanese foreign minister, Abdallah Bou Habib, has expressed optimism about the outbreak of a wider war in the Middle East region following discussions with Hezbollah and its Iranian funders. He stated that no one wants war and even the Iranians and Hezbollah are indirectly indicating their desire for peace. Bou Habib also called on the United States to take action to halt the Israeli onslaught on Gaza and push for a ceasefire, emphasizing that America is the only country capable of negotiating peace in the region.
Hezbollah supporters in the Lebanese capital of Beirut gathered to mourn the death of a fighter killed on the southern border. The Iranian-funded group was founded to fight against Israel’s invasion of Lebanon and has long been feared for its military power. It is designated a terrorist organization by several countries. There is growing concern that the Israeli onslaught on Gaza could provoke a wider regional conflict, as Hezbollah and Israel engage in rocket fire and strikes on the southern border.
Despite the rising death toll, emotions, and desire for revenge, Hezbollah politicians and spokespeople continue to express strong rhetoric. They condemn the genocide taking place in Gaza and emphasize their readiness to make sacrifices for the cause. The temperature in Lebanon has risen further after the Israeli attack on a car that killed three little girls and their grandmother.
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah recently addressed his followers, assuring them that he did not fear taking on America and Israel but also avoiding declaring full-on war. He pledged retaliation for any Lebanese civilian deaths and urged Arab leaders to press the United States into agreeing to a ceasefire and initiating talks for a two-state solution.
Bou Habib expressed concern about the worsening situation in Gaza, stating that if it continues, there will be more extremists and Hamas will grow stronger.