Jakarta, dmtNews – The death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah due to Israeli airstrikes on Saturday, September 28, 2024, has sent shockwaves throughout Lebanon and the Middle East. The incident has elicited responses from various international figures, including Pope Francis.
On his return journey from Belgium on Sunday, September 29, Pope Francis stated that the Israeli attacks in Gaza and Lebanon had exceeded moral and wartime rules. While he did not explicitly name Israel, he emphasized that “defense must always be proportional to the attack.” He remarked, “When there is something disproportionate, there is a tendency to dominate that goes beyond morality,” as reported by the Associated Press.
Nasrallah, a highly influential figure in Hezbollah for over three decades, played a significant role in Lebanon’s political and military dynamics. Supported by Iran, Hezbollah has long posed a threat to Israel, with a history of ongoing confrontations and retaliatory strikes.
The death of Nasrallah is viewed as a significant blow to Hezbollah and could potentially trigger further escalation in the region.
U.S. President Joe Biden described the attack on Nasrallah as “an act of justice” for the victims of the terrorist regime led by Hezbollah, reflecting a perspective shared by many Western nations that see Hezbollah as a destabilizing force in the region.
Meanwhile, Pope Francis has consistently called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages held by Hamas, and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. He mentioned that he regularly communicates with Catholic parishes in Gaza to stay informed about their conditions.
The international reaction to Hassan Nasrallah’s death will significantly influence the next steps in the ongoing conflict. Both Israel and Hezbollah, which have a long history of hostility, may continue to escalate military actions amid rising tensions, especially with Iran, a supporter of Hezbollah, indicating readiness to retaliate.
