Hezbollah’s leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, declared that the Lebanese armed group would persist in its military actions if Israel continues its assault on the Gaza Strip. Nasrallah emphasized that Hezbollah’s support for Gaza is unwavering, as cross-border hostilities have already displaced thousands.
In a televised address, Nasrallah warned that residents of northern Israel might not be able to return home for the next school year if their government does not cease its operations in Gaza. He highlighted that the connection between Hezbollah and Gaza is “definitive, final, and conclusive,” underscoring the group’s commitment to supporting Hamas and deterring Israeli attacks on Lebanon.
The conflict, which began on October 7, has led to significant displacement on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border and raised concerns about a potential wider war. Israel aims to secure the north either through diplomatic means or military actions, seeking a resolution that would allow displaced families to return home by September 1, the start of the school year.
Nasrallah urged those displaced to pressure their government to halt the assault on Gaza. He asserted that Israel is at an impasse in its military operation in southern Gaza, which has resulted in substantial casualties and destruction. The ongoing conflict has seen Israeli forces resuming attacks on northern Gaza, particularly targeting the Jabalia refugee camp.
Military activities by Hezbollah and its allies in Iraq, Yemen, and Lebanon, all of which receive backing from Iran, have added pressure on Israel’s forces during the Gaza conflict. Attempts by Egypt and Qatar to broker a ceasefire recently failed after Israel rejected proposals from international mediators.
Israeli forces have advanced into Gaza’s northern regions and the city of Rafah in the south, continuing their campaign against Hamas. Concurrently, Israel has conducted attacks on Lebanon, leading to Hezbollah’s retaliatory rocket fire. Nasrallah mentioned that Hezbollah is intensifying its operations in response to the ongoing conflict.
Casualties from the clashes have been significant, with over 350 people killed in Lebanon, primarily Hezbollah fighters, but also including civilians. In Israel, attacks from Lebanon have resulted in the deaths of at least 10 civilians and 12 soldiers.
