Hezbollah Releases Audio of Slain Leader Hassan Nasrallah as Tensions with Israel Escalate

Beirut, Lebanon — Hezbollah, the powerful Lebanon-based militant group, broadcast an audio recording of its former leader Hassan Nasrallah, just weeks after he was killed in an Israeli airstrike on September 27, 2024. In the recording, Nasrallah spoke to Hezbollah fighters during a military maneuver, urging them to remain steadfast in defending Lebanon.

“We count on you to defend your people, your families, your nation, your values, and your dignity,” Nasrallah said in the recording. His message, directed to fighters entrenched in a conflict that has shaken the region, reflected both resolve and defiance in the face of mounting Israeli airstrikes and military offensives.

Hezbollah-Israel Conflict Intensifies

Tensions between Hezbollah and Israel have escalated dramatically in recent months. According to the Israeli military, Hezbollah fired approximately 115 projectiles into Israeli territory by Sunday afternoon, marking one of the deadliest surges of violence since the conflict reignited in October 2023.

As the two sides continue to exchange fire, Israeli forces have claimed the capture of a Hezbollah fighter emerging from a tunnel in southern Lebanon, marking a significant development in the conflict. Israel’s military ground operations in the region have been met with widespread condemnation, further complicating an already volatile situation.

UN Accuses Israel of Violations

In southern Lebanon, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported several violations by Israeli forces over the weekend. In a statement, UNIFIL accused Israeli troops of forcibly entering one of their positions in the Ramia area, using Merkava tanks to breach the gate.

“At around 4:30 a.m., while peacekeepers were in shelters, two Israeli tanks destroyed the position’s main gate and entered before leaving 45 minutes later,” the statement said. This incident is one of several reported by UNIFIL since Thursday, adding to concerns over the safety of peacekeepers operating in the region. Five UN peacekeepers have been injured since the start of the escalated conflict.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for the withdrawal of UN peacekeepers from southern Lebanon, accusing them of acting as “human shields” for Hezbollah militants. However, the UN has rejected this request, leading to heightened tensions between Israel and the international community.

Lebanon’s Response and Calls for Ceasefire

Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned Netanyahu’s call for the removal of UN peacekeepers, stating that such demands represent “a new chapter in Israel’s non-compliance with international norms.” He added that his government would approach the UN Security Council to request a new resolution, pushing for an immediate ceasefire in the conflict.

The violence has taken a heavy toll on Lebanon, with more than 1,200 people killed since the conflict intensified, according to Lebanese officials. Over a million others have been displaced as fighting continues along the southern border.

Global Reactions to Nasrallah’s Death

The death of Hassan Nasrallah, a pivotal figure in Hezbollah’s history, has prompted widespread reactions across the Middle East. Several Palestinian factions expressed their condolences, hailing Nasrallah as a martyr. In the wake of his assassination, Hezbollah’s Deputy Secretary-General, Sheikh Naim Qassem, vowed to continue resistance against Israel, asserting that despite Israel’s efforts, the group remains undeterred.

“Israel has failed to diminish Hezbollah’s capabilities,” Qassem said during a televised speech on September 30, 2024. His words reflect Hezbollah’s resolve to continue its military operations, despite the loss of key leaders, including Nasrallah.

Israeli Airstrikes and International Response

Israel’s military campaign against Hezbollah has drawn international scrutiny. French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the attacks on UN peacekeepers, labeling them “absolutely unacceptable” and calling for accountability.

In parallel, Israeli airstrikes have targeted infrastructure throughout southern Lebanon, including the destruction of a 100-year-old mosque in the village of Kfar Tibnit, near the Israeli-Lebanese border. According to local reports, the mosque had been a central gathering point for the community.

“The destruction of this historic site is a painful loss for our village,” said Fuad Yassin, the mayor of Kfar Tibnit. He added that the ongoing Israeli strikes have made life unbearable for residents who remain in the conflict zone.

Iran’s Role and U.S. Military Support

As Hezbollah continues to engage with Israeli forces, Iran has pledged support for its allies in Lebanon. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaking during a visit to Baghdad, stated that Tehran was “fully prepared for a war situation,” though he emphasized that Iran does not seek conflict. This statement comes amid growing concerns over Iran’s influence in the region and its potential involvement in escalating hostilities.

In response to the rising threats, the United States has announced plans to deploy a high-altitude anti-missile system to Israel. U.S. military personnel will also be sent to operate the system, bolstering Israel’s defenses against missile attacks from Hezbollah and its allies.

Humanitarian Crisis Worsens

As fighting rages on, the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon continues to deepen. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has warned of dire conditions in the northern Gaza area, where Israeli forces have besieged the town of Jabalia for several days. Residents, trapped by the ongoing conflict, are suffering from a lack of basic necessities.

“For over a week, there has been no hope, no water, and no means of life,” said Muhammad Abu Halima, a 40-year-old resident of Jabalia.

In a gesture of solidarity, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) launched its “UAE Stands with Lebanon” campaign, delivering 200 tonnes of humanitarian aid to assist Lebanon during its ongoing crisis. The aid packages are part of an effort to alleviate the suffering of those displaced by the conflict.

Conclusion

The situation in Lebanon remains precarious, with no clear end in sight to the escalating violence between Hezbollah and Israel. While international calls for a ceasefire grow louder, the prospect of peace appears distant as both sides continue to exchange fire. Hezbollah’s release of Hassan Nasrallah’s final message has only served to harden the group’s resolve, raising concerns that the conflict may continue to spiral out of control.