Hezbollah Leader Hassan Nasrallah Assassinated in Israeli Airstrike
In a significant escalation of violence in the Middle East, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike on September 28, 2024, in the southern suburbs of Beirut. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the operation, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The airstrike, which also resulted in the deaths of over 1,000 individuals, has sparked a wave of reactions across the region and beyond.
During a live interview on RT, journalist and Hezbollah supporter Marva Othman was left in tears upon hearing the news of Nasrallah's death. Her emotional response has since gone viral, drawing attention from social media users who previously shared her controversial tweets supporting Hamas during the October 7 attacks. Othman's reaction was met with mixed sentiments online, as many users echoed her previous statements with ironic comments.
The aftermath of Nasrallah's assassination has prompted a call for unity from the Lebanese Army, which warned against actions that could jeopardize civil peace in the country. The Army described the current phase as “dangerous and delicate,” urging citizens to remain calm amid rising tensions.
Mixed Reactions to Nasrallah's Death
The assassination has elicited a variety of responses from political leaders worldwide. U.S. President Joe Biden characterized the killing as a “measure of justice” for the victims of Nasrallah’s actions, reaffirming U.S. support for Israel's right to defend itself against groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. Conversely, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock expressed concern over the potential for escalation in Lebanon, warning that Israel's actions could destabilize the region further.
Iran has reacted strongly, with Iranian officials threatening severe consequences for Israel following Nasrallah's death. Iran's Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref stated that the killing would lead to the “destruction” of Israel, while Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei labeled Nasrallah a martyr and condemned the Israeli government. Hezbollah has vowed to continue its fight against Israel, pledging to support Gaza and Palestine.
Call for Ceasefire and International Response
In light of the escalating violence, international leaders have called for a ceasefire. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the President of Turkey, criticized Israel's actions as genocidal, urging global structures, particularly the UN Security Council, to intervene. Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for all parties to step back from the brink of all-out war, emphasizing the urgent need for peace in the region.
The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further military actions and political ramifications as the world watches the developments following Nasrallah's assassination. As tensions rise, the calls for unity and peace in Lebanon continue to resonate amid the chaos.
