Four people from the family of the former Secretary-General of Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah, who was assassinated last September, were killed in an Israeli raid targeting the town of Al-Bazouriya in southern Lebanon.
According to what was reported by media outlets, “The dead were Nasrallah’s uncle, his cousins, and their grandson. They were killed during a raid that targeted a house they were inside in the town of Al-Bazuriyah in the Tyre district.”
The Lebanese government decides to increase the number of the army in preparation for deployment to the south
The Lebanese government decided to fund 1,500 volunteers in the Lebanese Army, in preparation for increased army deployment on the southern border, in implementation of International Resolution 1701.
Al-Sharq Al-Awsat newspaper reported, “This decision will be implemented by granting the Lebanese Ministry of Defense a treasury advance, while the Lebanese Minister of Information, who read the decisions of the government meeting, pointed out the importance of this decision politically and internationally and the extent of its connection to the implementation of Resolution 1701.”
Earlier, the Lebanese Ministry of Health said, “The Israeli raids on the Bekaa and Baalbek, which took place on Wednesday, resulted in the death of 40 people and the injury of 53,” with an infinite total toll of up to 93 people, and the death toll of the Israeli raids on Lebanon since October 2023 exceeded more than 3. Thousands killed and 13,000 injured.”
Since last September, Israel has intensified its violent raids on various areas in Lebanon, especially the southern suburbs of Beirut, the south and the Bekaa. It has also carried out many assassinations, the most prominent of which was the assassination of “Nasrallah” with raids on Haret Hreik on September 27, and “Ali Karaki,” who was He occupies the duties of the leader of the party’s southern front after a raid targeted him on September 23.
It also assassinated “Fouad Shukr,” who is considered one of the founding generation of “Hezbollah” and one of its most prominent military leaders, in a strike that targeted the suburb on July 30, and then eliminated his successor as well, as on September 20, it assassinated “Ibrahim Aqeel,” the commander of the Radwan unit. , who was considered the second military man in the party after Shukr, along with 16 others from the unit.
Later, it assassinated “Ibrahim Qubaisi,” the leader of the party’s missile unit (September 25), as well as “Muhammad Sorour,” the commander of the air unit on September 26, in addition to “Nabil Qaouq,” a member of the party’s central council responsible for security, on September 28. There was also a raid on the suburb, while the fate of Wafiq Safa, the party’s coordination and liaison officer, remains ambiguous, after Israel confirmed that its raids on the Nuwairi area in Beirut targeted him.
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Interview Between Time.news Editor and Middle Eastern Affairs Expert Dr. Layla Kassem
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Kassem. Thank you for joining us today. The recent escalation in southern Lebanon following the assassination of Hassan Nasrallah’s family members has captured widespread attention. Can you break down the significance of these events?
Dr. Kassem: Thank you for having me. The assassination of members of Hassan Nasrallah’s family underscores a perilous turning point in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The targeting of key family figures suggests that Israel is not only aiming at military leaders but also directly disrupting the social and familial ties within the group, which could have profound implications for Hezbollah’s morale and support base.
Editor: That’s a sobering point. What do you see as the potential repercussions of the Lebanese government’s decision to increase the number of troops along the southern border?
Dr. Kassem: The Lebanese government’s decision to bolster its military presence indicates a shift towards greater preparedness and deterrence. By deploying more troops in line with International Resolution 1701, Lebanon is signaling its commitment to maintaining sovereignty and addressing external threats. However, it also risks escalating tensions, as Israel may perceive this as a heightened threat, which could lead to more aggressive military actions.
Editor: You mentioned International Resolution 1701. Can you give us a bit of background on this resolution and its relevance to the current situation?
Dr. Kassem: Absolutely. Resolution 1701 was adopted in 2006 after the Lebanon War, aiming to end hostilities and establish a framework for peace in the region. It calls for a complete cessation of hostilities, limits the presence of armed groups in southern Lebanon, and emphasizes the need for the Lebanese government to exert authority over its territory. The ongoing violations from both sides complicate the resolution’s implementation, but it remains a crucial point of reference for international involvement in this conflict.
Editor: As we look at the number of casualties reported, including over 40 deaths from recent Israeli raids, it certainly paints a dire picture. How does this humanitarian crisis affect the regional dynamics?
Dr. Kassem: This rising death toll amplifies the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, which further polarizes public sentiment and fuels resentment towards Israel. It could also rally domestic and regional support for Hezbollah, as many view the group as a defender of Lebanon against external aggression. Such human suffering tends to ignite nationalist feelings, complicating diplomatic efforts and increasing the likelihood of retaliatory violence.
Editor: In light of these escalations and the troubling history of assassinations, do you foresee any potential pathways to de-escalation or dialogue?
Dr. Kassem: While optimism is hard to come by, there are mechanisms for dialogue that could be explored. International mediators could play a crucial role in fostering discussions. However, for dialogue to be effective, both sides need to acknowledge the grave repercussions of continued violence. There may be an opportunity for third-party negotiations that focus on ceasefires or humanitarian assistance to mitigate the daily suffering of civilians.
Editor: Lastly, Dr. Kassem, how do you see the international community responding to this latest wave of violence? Are there actions they can take?
Dr. Kassem: The international response will be pivotal. The United Nations could increase peacekeeping efforts, and countries with influence in the region, like the United States, may need to engage directly with both parties. Imposing diplomatic pressure to adhere to 1701 is essential. Ultimately, bolstering humanitarian aid and facilitating communications could serve as critical steps in calming the current situation.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Kassem, for your insights into this complex and evolving situation. It’s clear that the developments in Lebanon and Israel require careful monitoring and thoughtful international engagement moving forward.
Dr. Kassem: Thank you for having me. The stakes are indeed high, and the need for constructive dialogue has never been more urgent.