Hezbollah Calls for “Day of Rage” in Lebanon After Gaza Hospital Strike
Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah movement has called for a “day of rage” in response to the recent strike on a Gaza Strip hospital. The strike, which resulted in the deaths of at least 200 people, has been condemned by Hezbollah as a “massacre” and a “brutal crime.” The movement, which is an ally of Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, has blamed Israel for the attack. Israel’s army, however, has stated that the strike was caused by a rocket misfired by Islamic Jihad, another Gaza-based militant group.
Hezbollah has urged fellow Muslims and Arabs to express their anger by taking to the streets and squares. In response to this call, hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the US embassy in Awkar, a suburb of Beirut. The protesters clashed with Lebanese security forces, hurling stones and setting a building on fire. Tear gas was used to disperse the crowd, with medics attending to cases of suffocation. Chants of “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” filled the air as protesters expressed their outrage.
Similar protests took place at the French embassy in Beirut, where Hezbollah flags were raised and stones were thrown at the entrance. Palestinian refugee camps in the southern cities of Sidon and Tyre also erupted in anger, with Palestinian factions in Lebanon calling for mass rallies on Wednesday to condemn the hospital strike. In response to the escalating tensions, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati declared Wednesday a national day of mourning.
The strike on the Gaza hospital has further intensified the already volatile situation in the region. The conflict between Israel and Hamas has been ongoing for years, with periodic escalations resulting in significant loss of life and destruction. The recent strike has once again highlighted the deep-rooted animosity between the two sides and has further polarized public opinion.
The international community has called for an immediate ceasefire and a return to negotiations to resolve the conflict. However, achieving a lasting peace agreement seems increasingly challenging as both sides remain entrenched in their positions. The situation is further complicated by the involvement of external actors, such as Iran and Hezbollah, who provide support to Hamas.
The strike on the Gaza hospital has also raised concerns about the safety of civilians caught in the crossfire. The hospital was being used as a shelter by displaced people, further highlighting the devastating impact of the conflict on innocent lives. The international community must prioritize the protection of civilians and ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those in need.
As tensions continue to rise, it is crucial for all parties involved to exercise restraint and seek a peaceful resolution. The cycle of violence and retaliation only perpetuates suffering and hinders any progress towards a lasting peace. The international community must play a proactive role in facilitating dialogue and promoting a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
In conclusion, Hezbollah’s call for a “day of rage” in Lebanon following the strike on a Gaza hospital reflects the deep-seated anger and frustration felt by many in the region. The conflict between Israel and Hamas has once again escalated, resulting in significant loss of life and destruction. It is imperative for all parties involved to prioritize the protection of civilians and work towards a peaceful resolution. Only through dialogue and negotiation can a lasting peace be achieved in the region.