By G. Mudalige, Jadetimes Staff
G. Mudalige is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology & Innovation
In a highly charged address, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah accused Israel of committing "war crimes" following bomb attacks that killed 37 people and wounded thousands in Lebanon. He labeled these strikes, which targeted Hezbollah’s communication devices like pagers and walkie-talkies, as crossing all "red lines" and equated them to a declaration of war. While Nasrallah acknowledged the devastating impact of these unprecedented attacks, he maintained that Hezbollah's command structure remained intact and vowed retaliation. However, he emphasized that Hezbollah would continue its cross-border strikes only unless a ceasefire was reached in Gaza.
Meanwhile, Israel, which has not claimed responsibility for the attacks, intensified airstrikes on southern Lebanon in response to Hezbollah’s actions. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated they were aiming to "degrade Hezbollah's terrorist capabilities" and ensure security for northern Israel, where the ongoing conflict has displaced thousands on both sides of the border. The IDF also confirmed the deaths of two Israeli soldiers and injuries to another during recent exchanges.
The conflict, triggered by Hezbollah’s solidarity with Hamas after the Gaza war began in October 2023, has led to heightened tensions in the region. Nasrallah warned of serious consequences if Israel pursued plans to create a buffer zone in southern Lebanon, calling it a foolish decision.
As military actions continued to escalate, Israel’s defense minister, Yoav Gallant, acknowledged the significant risks but stressed the necessity of securing the country's northern borders. The situation remains fraught, with calls for a ceasefire echoing from international leaders, including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who both called for restraint to prevent further escalation.
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