The Israeli-Palestinian problem: Hezbollah leader Nasrallah praised Hamas and said the United States was responsible for the war in Gaza

Updated an hour ago

In Lebanon, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah addressed the public for the first time after the attacks carried out by Hamas in Israel on October 7. Praising Hamas for its attacks, Nasrallah said, “The United States is responsible for the war in Gaza.” Regarding the possibilities of expanding the scope of the war, Nasrallah also stressed that all possibilities and options are on the table, and he said: “We are ready for all possibilities.”

It was announced five days ago that Hassan Nasrallah would deliver a speech. Nasrallah, whose whereabouts are still unknown, said in his speech via video link that the attacks, which Hamas described as the “flood of Al-Aqsa,” are “one hundred percent Palestinian.”

Nasrallah said: The holy operation organized by the Al-Qassam Brigades on October 7 and the continuation of the resistance was a 100 percent Palestinian product. The operation was carried out by the Palestinians and they concealed their actions from their allies, making the operation a complete success. “.

The Hezbollah leader said that four pressing issues stand out in Palestine regarding the circumstances that led to the attacks. Nasrallah said: He listed the situation of Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel, Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque, the siege of Gaza, settlers in the West Bank, and the new dangers resulting from daily murders.

Nasrallah affirmed Iran’s support for the movements he called “Islamic resistance,” and said that “the real decision-makers are the leaders of the resistance.” He added: “The role of the resistance has become clear in Iraq and Yemen, but as for Lebanon, we were present there.” The war since October 8.

Nasrallah also said that the Israeli army repeated the mistakes it committed in Gaza in the 2006 war on Lebanon:

“The Israelis have once again set goals they cannot achieve. What successes has the Israeli army achieved so far, after 28 days of continuous destruction in Gaza, and the killing of thousands of civilians, most of them women and children?”

Nasrallah considered that the United States was the one that prevented a ceasefire in the Gaza war, for which he held Washington responsible. He called for “accountability” and said, “The American fleets in the region will not stop us. We are ready for confrontation.” them if necessary.”

The Hezbollah leader defined the goals of the resistance movement in Gaza as follows:

“Stopping the war, the victory of the resistance, especially Hamas, the victory of Gaza, which is also in the interest of the Arabs.”

Nasrallah said: “Condemnation statements are not enough. Relations with the hostile organization must be cut off, and oil and other exports to this organization must be cut off.” He specified his minimum demands from the Arab countries as “a ceasefire, a political and economic boycott of Israel, and assistance to Gaza.”

The Secretary-General of Hezbollah also said: “What is happening on the Lebanese-Israeli border may seem modest, but it is important.” He said that the Israeli army was forced to deploy a third of its army, including forces from the elite battalion, and a quarter of its air force on the border.

The Lebanese-Israeli border has recently witnessed increasingly violent clashes between the Israeli army and Hezbollah.

There are fears that the clashes will open a new front in the war between Israel and Hamas. So far, the level of violence has not escalated to this level.

He wondered whether Nasrallah’s speech would change this situation.

As Israel continues to occupy Gaza territory “with the aim of destroying Hamas,” the number of Palestinians who have lost their lives in attacks is also increasing.

According to the Ministry of Health, the number of people who lost their lives in Israeli attacks on Gaza, which has been under Hamas control since 2006, exceeded 9,000 people.

More than 1,400 people were killed and more than 200 were taken hostage in attacks carried out by Hamas in Israel on 7 October.

Hamas called on its allies to go to war, and it was curious that Hezbollah responded to these calls.

Hezbollah, the largest military force in Lebanon, like Hamas; It is included in the list of “terrorist organizations” of the United States, the United Kingdom and some other countries.

BBC Middle East correspondent Hugo BachegaAccording to our analysis, many people in Lebanon still remember the shocking war between Hezbollah and Israel in 2006, and worry that the group may drag the country into a similar conflict.

Israel believes that Hezbollah is a stronger enemy than Hamas. Hezbollah possesses various weapons, including precision-guided missiles that can strike Israel from within, and tens of thousands of well-trained and experienced fighters.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that if Hezbollah opened a second front in the conflict, its response would be “unimaginable.”

The United States has also reportedly warned Israel against launching an all-out attack against Hezbollah.

The United States sent two aircraft carriers to the eastern Mediterranean to prevent the conflict from spreading.

An all-out war is said to be devastating for Lebanon, as support for Hezbollah is not widespread beyond its followers. The country has been experiencing an economic crisis for years, and the government is unable to carry out all its tasks due to political stagnation.

The other possible scenario, according to some observers, is for the movement to respond to Hamas’ calls, increase its attacks, and keep the war limited to northern Israel.

The US administration warns Iran, publicly or secretly, against escalating tensions.

Iran supports the so-called “Axis of Resistance” coalition, which includes, in addition to Hamas and Hezbollah, militias in Iraq, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and the Houthis in Yemen.

It is unclear how much direct influence Tehran has over these groups, but these groups are unlikely to make major decisions without Iran’s approval.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said on Sunday that “Israel’s crimes have crossed red lines and this may force everyone to take action.”

Referring to the United States, Risi said: “He wants us not to respond, but he continues to provide broad support to Israel.”

A source close to Hezbollah told BBC correspondent Bashiga last week, on condition of anonymity, that Nasrallah, known for his angry speeches against Israel and the United States, was closely monitoring the situation and remained in constant contact with the party’s military commanders, despite his statements. Publicity. Silence.

This source said: “Hezbollah is following up on all the details, and is constantly calculating.”