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Hamas will not stop if Israel doesn’t stop -Hezbollah's Deputy Secretary General, Naim Qassem

opera.com 2024/10/5

Hezbollah's Deputy Secretary General, Naim Qassem, has emphasized that despite current tensions, a full-scale war with Israel is not anticipated in the near future, underscoring the group's preparedness for potential escalation, according to a report by The Times Of Israel.

In an interview with Russian media outlet Sputnik, Qassem provided insights into Hezbollah's perspective amidst ongoing regional conflicts.

Qassem asserted that Israel is compelled to seek a ceasefire with Hamas to quell the ongoing hostilities. "Israel has no choice but to end its war against the Hamas terror group through a ceasefire deal," he stated, highlighting the interconnected nature of the conflict dynamics.

He further elaborated on the conditions necessary for de-escalation, noting, "Hamas will not stop if Israel doesn’t stop, and the most likely outcome for the war ending is through an agreement, especially because of the upheaval inside Israel." His reference to internal unrest within Israel alluded to recent anti-government protests, suggesting these factors could influence the trajectory of the conflict.

Regarding the potential for broader regional escalation, Qassem clarified, "The possibility of expanding the war is not at hand at the moment, but the organization is prepared for the worst."

Hezbollah, a prominent Shia Islamist group based in Lebanon, has historically engaged in conflict with Israel and maintains a significant military presence in the region. Qassem's comments come amid heightened international concern over the violence between Israel and Hamas, which has resulted in casualties and widespread destruction.