Hezbollah leader calls for unity, rejects Israeli talks amid Lebanese violence

Hezbollah Leader Calls for National Unity Amid Ongoing Conflict with Israel

Lebanon’s Hezbollah chief, Naim Qassem, has urged national unity as the country faces an ongoing military assault by Israel. The conflict began in early March after Hezbollah launched rockets towards Israeli territory following the start of the US and Israel’s war on Iran on February 28.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Qassem stated that Lebanon is facing two options: either to surrender its land or engage in “inevitable confrontation and resistance” against Israel. He also emphasized that negotiating with Israel during this period would be equivalent to imposing surrender and stripping the country of its capabilities.

Qassem’s comments came as Israeli air strikes and ground invasions continued, resulting in over 1,000 deaths across Lebanon. The Lebanese armed group has responded by firing rockets into northern Israel and clashing with Israeli troops on the ground.

The escalating conflict has drawn global attention, with condemnation from foreign leaders and growing calls for de-escalation. Some far-right Israeli lawmakers have called for the annexation of southern Lebanon, while others, including French President Emmanuel Macron, have advocated for negotiations to end the violence.

In response to the crisis, the Lebanese government has outlawed Hezbollah military activity and expressed a desire to engage in direct talks with Israel. However, the Israeli government has shown no signs of easing its military offensive, with Defence Minister Israel Katz stating that displaced residents of southern Lebanon will not be able to return to their homes until northern Israel is safe.

The situation remains fluid, with ongoing clashes between Hezbollah fighters and Israeli troops, as well as continued rocket fire into northern Israel.

Source: Al Jazeera