Iran vows to avenge assassinated Hezbollah leader fuelling fears of wider war | BBC News

Sat, 05 Oct 2024 13:59:43 +0000

Hezbollah has confirmed the death of its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, after a series of massive Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon’s capital Beirut. Nasrallah, who had not been seen in public for years because of fears of being assassinated by Israel, was one of the most influential figures in the Middle East.

Ali Karki, the commander of Hezbollah’s southern front, and other Hezbollah military leaders were also killed in the attack on Beirut’s southern suburb of Dahiyeh, according to the Israeli military.

Hezbollah confirmed Nasrallah’s death and vowed to keep up the fight against Israel “in support of Gaza and Palestine, and in defence of Lebanon”. Iran, the main backer of Hezbollah, declared five days of national mourning. Iran’s Supreme Leader declared that Nasrallah’s death "will not go unavenged"

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country had “settled the score” with Nasrallah’s death and described his assassination as an “historic turning point” which could reshape the region.

US President Joe Biden said that his death was a "measure of justice for his many victims” and Kamala Harris described Nasrallah as a “terrorist” with blood on his hands.

Western countries are warning citizens to leave Lebanon as the assassination fuels fears of a wider war. Israel has strongly signalled that it may send ground forces into Lebanon. Thousands of Lebanese citizens are continue to flee the south of the country.

Anna Foster in Beirut presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Jeremy Bowen, Orla Guerin, Caroline Hawley, Frank Gardner and Tom Bateman.

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