Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Berri, a powerful Shiite ally of Hezbollah, have for days been striving for an immediate truce between Israel and Tehran-backed Hezbollah, independent of Gaza truce efforts. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday, however, that Tehran backed efforts for a "simultaneous" ceasefire in both Lebanon and the Palestinian territory. Qassem, who has taken over until a new Hezbollah leader is announced, said the group's military capacities and leadership were still strong despite the heavy Israeli bombardment. "The party's leadership and the resistance (Hezbollah) are meticulously organised... We have overcome painful blows," he said. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli officials have stressed the need to secure the north near the border with Lebanon so uprooted residents can return home.

Source: Indian Express October 08, 2024 11:36 UTC