In a recent development, Hezbollah, the Lebanon-based militant group, has declared its readiness to join forces with Hamas in its ongoing conflict with Israel.
This announcement comes as Israeli military officials gear up for a potential full-scale ground assault on the Gaza Strip.
The declaration was made by Deputy Chief Naim Qassem at a rally where hundreds gathered in support of Hamas. The crowd, waving Palestinian and Hezbollah flags, chanted anti-Israel slogans. Qassem pledged Lebanon's participation in the conflict, stating, "when the time comes for action."
Addressing supporters in a Beirut suburb, Qassem revealed that Hezbollah was disregarding international appeals to refrain from involvement in the conflict. This revelation came as Hezbollah's leader was in talks with Iran's foreign minister regarding the escalating situation.
Qassem stated, "The behind-the-scenes calls with us by great powers, Arab countries, envoys of the United Nations, directly and indirectly, telling us not to interfere will have no effect." He further added, "Hezbollah knows its duties perfectly well. We are prepared and ready, fully ready, and we are following developments moment by moment."
Hezbollah has already engaged in skirmishes with Israeli forces along the Lebanese border as the IDF retaliates against Hamas terrorists. In response, Israel has targeted an observation post associated with Hezbollah and several Lebanese villages, marking the most severe escalation between the two nations since 2006.
Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has yet to comment on the situation. However, he recently met with Iran's foreign minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian, to discuss the ongoing conflict. Post-meeting, Amirabdollahian suggested that the US would need to curb Israel to avert a full-blown regional war, as reported by Politico.
Amirabdollahian, who has previously accused Israel of committing "war crimes" in Gaza, stated that Iran has requested Egypt, the United Nations, and other aid groups to permit it to send humanitarian aid to the region. He is now expected to meet with Syrian officials to discuss the situation further.
Meanwhile, Israel has advised residents of Gaza City to evacuate their homes in anticipation of a ground attack. Leaflets warning of an "imminent attack" were distributed in residential areas, causing families to hastily gather their belongings and flee. The IDF issued a statement advising Gazans that "The evacuation is for your own safety," adding that Hamas terrorists are hiding in tunnels beneath Gaza City and within residential buildings.
However, Hamas has urged Gazans to remain in their homes, dismissing the evacuation orders as "fake propaganda." This comes as Israel amasses approximately 360,000 soldiers on the Gaza border. The evacuation warning follows Israel's bombardment of Gaza with 6,000 bombs in retaliation for Hamas' surprise attack, which resulted in over 1,300 Israeli casualties.
Israel has suspended the delivery of essential supplies, including food, water, fuel, and electricity, to Gaza's 2.3 million residents. Israeli Energy Minister Israel Katz stated on Thursday that there would be no exceptions to the siege without the release of hostages taken by Hamas.
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