Hezbollah Calls on Lebanese Government to Take Action Following Assassination of Hamas-Aligned Leader
Hezbollah has strongly denounced the Israeli killing of a leader of Lebanon's al-Jamaa al-Islamiya, labeling the act as "treacherous and cowardly." The movement has called on the Lebanese government to take decisive measures to stop what it describes as Israeli atrocities.
Hezbollah’s Islamic Relations Office leader, Sheikh Abdul Majid Ammar, emphasized the necessity for the government to fully embrace its national responsibilities.
“The situation demands more than passive observation or ineffectual condemnations. It requires decisive, immediate, and effective action on all fronts using every available resource.”
Sheikh Hussein Atwi, a prominent commander within the military wing of al-Jamaa al-Islamiya, which aligns itself with the Palestinian resistance group Hamas, was reportedly targeted by an Israeli drone on Tuesday. The incident occurred near the Lebanese town of Baawarta as Atwi was traveling from his residence to his office in Beirut.
The Israeli government has reportedly carried out a series of assassinations in Lebanon in recent months, allegedly breaching a ceasefire agreement established in November of the previous year.
On Tuesday, an Israeli strike resulted in the death of at least one individual in the town of Haniyeh, located in the Tyre district of southern Lebanon.
A representative from Hezbollah characterized the move as a continued act of aggression by the adversary, highlighting its infringement on Lebanese sovereignty and efforts to destabilize the resistance in every aspect. “This simply reinforces the unity of the resistance initiative and confirms the identity of the enemy,” the official stated.
Sheikh Ammar stated that Israel’s continued actions, openly supported by the United States, stem from the inability of ceasefire sponsors and the international community to adequately address their obligations.
Sheikh Ammar stated that this action empowers adversaries to persist in their aggressive conduct unchecked.
Israel was expected to complete the withdrawal of its forces from Lebanon by January as part of a ceasefire agreement. However, it has declined to adhere to this timeline.
In a statement issued in late January, Lebanon declared its intention to prolong the ceasefire with Israel through February.
Despite the passing of the February deadline, Israel maintains its occupation of five key areas in southern Lebanon, all of which are located near the border.
Lebanon has issued a condemnation regarding the ongoing presence of Israeli military forces, characterizing it as a breach of the ceasefire agreement and the predetermined timeline for withdrawal.
Senior officials in Beirut have pledged to undertake “all necessary measures” to expel the occupying forces from the country.
