Biden Calls Hezbollah Leader's Death a 'Measure of Justice' as Global Tensions Rise
US President Joe Biden commented on the Israeli airstrike that killed Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, describing the act as a measure of justice for his many victims, which reportedly include thousands of Americans, Israelis, and Lebanese civilians. Biden's remarks came in a White House statement on September 28, where he reiterated the United States' full support for Israel's right to self-defense against what he termed Iranian-supported terrorist groups, including Hezbollah and Hamas.
In response to the ongoing conflict, particularly surrounding the war between Israeli forces and Hamas militants following deadly assaults by Hamas on October 7, Biden stated his intention to enhance US military defenses in the Middle East to deter further aggression.
Biden emphasized the importance of diplomacy in de-escalating the violent situations in Gaza and Lebanon, noting that the US aims for a resolution that protects civilians and promotes stability in the region.
In tandem, Vice President Kamala Harris condemned Nasrallah, asserting that he had American blood on his hands and reaffirmed her commitment to Israel's security and right to defend itself against terrorist organizations.
Meanwhile, international reactions have varied significantly. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed grave concern over the escalation in Lebanon, urging an immediate cessation of violence, while Russia's Foreign Ministry denounced the assassination, warning of dire consequences for Lebanon and the broader Middle East.
Furthermore, leaders from various countries voiced their opposition to the Israeli strikes. Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad Shia al-Sudani called the attack a 'crime,' while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan characterized it as part of Israel's genocidal policies. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called for solidarity with Hezbollah and declared five days of mourning in Iran for Nasrallah.
European officials, including French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, called for a halt to Israeli airstrikes and urged restraint from Hezbollah and Iran to avoid further destabilization of the region. Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock warned that the military actions taken by Israel could destabilize Lebanon entirely.
The Palestinian Authority also extended condolences to Hezbollah, reflecting the deep unrest throughout the region over the recent violence initiated by Israel.
China's Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, spoke at the UN General Assembly and condemned the escalation between Israel and Hezbollah, asserting that the rights of the Palestinian people must not be overlooked. He called for a renewed focus on establishing an independent Palestinian state.
Syria, a close ally of Hezbollah, condemned Israel’s actions, labeling them as barbaric and a violation of international norms.
The death of Nasrallah marks a significant turn in the already volatile dynamics of the Middle East, as nations grapple with the implications of this escalation and seek pathways toward peace amid rising tensions.
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