Hezbollah Deputy Leader Calls for Full Ceasefire in Gaza for Peace on Lebanon-Israel Border
The deputy leader of the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, Sheikh Naim Kassem, emphasized the importance of a full ceasefire in Gaza as the key to achieving peace on the Lebanon-Israel border. In an interview with The Associated Press at Hezbollah’s political office in Beirut, Kassem stated that if a ceasefire is established in Gaza, Hezbollah would cease its military support for Hamas without any further discussion.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which began on Oct. 7, has raised concerns about a potential escalation along the Lebanon-Israel border. Hezbollah has been engaged in near-daily strikes with Israeli forces over the past nine months, leading to displacement and casualties on both sides of the border.
While Hamas has called for an end to the war in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has refused to commit to a ceasefire until Israel achieves its objectives of dismantling Hamas’ military capabilities and securing the release of hostages held by the group. The Israeli army has also approved plans for a potential offensive in Lebanon if diplomatic efforts fail to resolve the clashes.
Despite the tensions, Kassem expressed skepticism about Israel’s readiness for a full-scale war with Hezbollah. He warned that any military action by Israel, whether limited or total, would trigger a robust response from Hezbollah and its allies in the region, potentially leading to a broader conflict involving other armed groups and even international powers.
Efforts to prevent a wider conflict have been ongoing, with U.S. and European diplomats engaging in shuttle diplomacy between Lebanon and Israel. Kassem revealed that he recently met with Germany’s deputy chief of intelligence and highlighted that while U.S. officials do not directly engage with Hezbollah due to its terrorist designation, they communicate through intermediaries.
Kassem criticized U.S. efforts to address the Gaza conflict, accusing Washington of supporting Israel’s agenda to eliminate Hamas from Gaza. He stressed the need for a constructive resolution that includes a ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and the release of hostages as part of a comprehensive deal.
Once a ceasefire is established, Kassem suggested that a political process could be initiated to address the arrangements within Gaza and along the Lebanon-Israel border. He emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving the conflict and preventing further escalation.
In conclusion, Kassem’s call for a full ceasefire in Gaza as a prerequisite for peace on the Lebanon-Israel border underscores the interconnected nature of conflicts in the region. As diplomatic efforts continue to seek a resolution, the role of key stakeholders, including Hezbollah, Hamas, and international actors, will be crucial in preventing a broader conflict and promoting stability in the region.