Amid the intensifying ground attack in Gaza, Lebanon’s Hezbollah came to the forefront warning Israel and signaling escalation of cross-border fighting. Iran-backed Hezbollah’s leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah on Friday said “we are ready for all possibilities”.
It is the first time Hezbollah is speaking formally since the Israel-Hamas war erupted. In a televised speech, Nasrallah also blamed the United States for its involvement and making the situation worse in Gaza.
“Wider Mideast war possible if Gaza assault continues,” he said.
"You, the Americans, can stop the aggression against Gaza because it is your aggression. Whoever wants to prevent a regional war, and I am talking to the Americans, must quickly halt the aggression on Gaza," Nasrallah was quoted by Reuters.
Hezbollah has intensified its cross-border attacks forcing Israel to evacuate residents along 2-5km stretch.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the White House’s National Security Council said Hezbollah should not try to take advantage of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Over 9,000 Palestinians were killed since the Hamas attack on October 7.
Nasrallah's remarks came on the day when US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Israel for the third time. While talking to the reporters in Tel Aviv, Blinken urged Israel to take steps to protect civilians in Gaza as the troops encircle Gaza City.
Meanwhile, PM Benjamin Netanyahu ruled out a temporary cease-fire in the Gaza Strip. After the meeting with Blinken, Netanyahu said there will not be a ceasefire until hostages are freed.
Netanyahu said Israel is continuing with “all of its power” and “refuses a temporary cease-fire that doesn’t include a return of our hostages”.
Israel claimed that Hamas has captured nearly 240 hostages. So far only four hostages were freed.
The military officials said Israeli forces has completely encircled Gaza City. Israel said they closed in the centre of Hamas military infrastructure that includes a vast network of underground tunnels, bunkers, and command centres.