Hezbollah declares ‘New Phase war’ with Israel; global powers call to prevent the crisis

At a large funeral gathering in southern Beirut, Hezbollah’s deputy chief declared that the group has entered a New Phase war in an “open-ended battle” with Israel. He emphasized that Hezbollah is prepared for any military situation and that threats will not stop them. This declaration signals the beginning of a New Phase war, highlighting the group’s readiness for future conflicts.

The deputy chief criticized the United States, accusing it of supporting Israel in its war in Gaza. He warned that Israel would face economic collapse and terror.

Hezbollah leaders accused Israel of “unprecedented barbarity” in its recent military actions, including an airstrike in Beirut that killed two senior commanders, Ibrahim Aqil and Mahmoud Yassin Hamad, along with 43 others.

In response, Hezbollah launched rocket attacks on northern Israel over the weekend, including strikes on the Rafael weapons facility in Haifa, as part of their retaliation for Israel’s actions. Hamas praised Hezbollah for its actions amid escalating tensions that could lead to a broader conflict.

World powers are stepping up diplomatic efforts to prevent the situation from spiraling further out of control, urging both sides to show restraint and avoid further escalation.

How the world reacted to the middle-east ‘New Phase war’

The escalation of violence in the Middle East has triggered widespread international concern, with world powers stepping up diplomatic efforts to prevent the conflict from spiraling further. As fighting intensifies between Israel, Hezbollah, and Hamas, nations are urging restraint and pushing for peace talks to avoid a broader regional war. The situation has also raised fears about its impact on ongoing ceasefire negotiations and the stability of the region.

United Nation

UN Chief Antonio Guterres expressed his concern to CNN, warning of the risk of Lebanon becoming another Gaza. Meanwhile, UN special coordinator in Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, cautioned that the Middle East is on the brink of an “imminent catastrophe.” She emphasized that “there is NO military solution that will make either side safer.”

United States

US President Joe Biden stated that the US is committed to doing “everything possible” to prevent a larger conflict from erupting.

European Union

The EU expressed “deep concern” over the situation, while UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy urged for an “immediate ceasefire.”

Egypt

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty expressed serious concern to AFP about the potential for the conflict to escalate into a full-scale regional war. He also noted that the recent surge in violence has hindered the Gaza ceasefire negotiations, which Egypt has been facilitating alongside Qatar and the United States for several months.

Since Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, Hezbollah and Israeli forces have been exchanging fire across the border regularly. However, concerns of a broader regional conflict have grown this week as the fighting has intensified. Israeli strikes in Lebanon have killed dozens, including senior Hezbollah commanders, raising fears of a wider war.

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