Middle East Leaders Respond to the Death of Hezbollah Leader Hassan Nasrallah

The death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike has elicited significant responses from Middle Eastern leaders, including declarations of mourning, condemnations of Israel, and calls for solidarity with Hezbollah. The U.S. government has supported Israel’s actions, framing the strike as a necessary response to violence, while fears of retaliation from Iran remain prominent as regional tensions escalate.

Following the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah due to an Israeli airstrike in Beirut, various leaders and groups across the Middle East have expressed their reactions. This significant military operation, which includes an estimated 80 bombs targeting Hezbollah’s headquarters, resulted in at least 11 fatalities and over 100 injuries, as reported by Lebanon’s Health Ministry. Among the deceased was Abbas Nilforoushan, the deputy commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, known for his role in suppressing protests within Iran. Hezbollah officially mourned Nasrallah, commemorating his nearly thirty-year leadership and labeling him a ‘brave martyr.’ The Israeli military characterized the operation, named “New Order,” as a pivotal countermeasure against Hezbollah’s command structure. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated, “This operation closed a long-standing reckoning with the master murderer Nasrallah.” In response, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned the assassination and called upon Muslims to support Hezbollah in resisting the Israeli government, asserting that “The fate of this region will be determined by the forces of resistance.” Hamas also denounced the airstrike, referring to it as a “cowardly act of terrorism” and expressed solidarity with Hezbollah and the Lebanese populace. Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati announced a three-day mourning period, indicating the perilous situation in Lebanon. Former President Michel Aoun lamented Nasrallah’s passing and emphasized the need for national unity in facing external threats. Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticized the Israeli actions, labeling them reckless and defying humanitarian principles. Iraq and Syria declared three days of public mourning, with Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani denouncing the assassination as a “criminal act.” While there was some public celebration of Nasrallah’s death in rebel-held areas of Syria, U.S. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris commented on the incident, framing it as an act of justice in light of Nasrallah’s history of violence against American and Israeli individuals. The death of Nasrallah has raised concerns regarding potential Iranian retaliation. However, Hezbollah continues to engage in military responses, having launched approximately 90 rockets into the Galilee region of Israel following the incident. This ongoing offensive in Lebanon has reportedly resulted in over 700 deaths thus far.

The article discusses the regional implications of the death of Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, after an Israeli airstrike in Beirut. This significant military action has drawn reactions from various political leaders and groups across the Middle East, underlining the tensions between Israel, Iran, and their respective allies. The historical context of Hezbollah as a significant Iranian proxy, along with the regional dynamics of influence, provides the backdrop for understanding the reactions and potential consequences following Nasrallah’s death.

The demise of Hassan Nasrallah has triggered widespread reactions across the Middle East, revealing the continuing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah and raising concerns over the stability of the region. Iran and its allies have condemned the Israeli operation, while the U.S. government has framed the assassination as an act of justice. The ongoing military exchanges indicate a heightened state of alert and potential for further conflict, making the geopolitical landscape increasingly complex in the aftermath of this event.

Original Source: www.al-monitor.com