Sun Sep 29 05:59:10 UTC 2024: ## World Leaders React with Alarm and Outrage as Hezbollah Leader Hassan Nasrallah Killed in Israeli Airstrike

**Beirut, Lebanon -** The killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike on a suburb of Beirut has sparked outrage and condemnation from world leaders, raising fears of an all-out war in the Middle East.

The Israeli government has yet to comment on the incident, but the U.S. President Joe Biden welcomed Nasrallah’s death as a “measure of justice.” First Vice President of Iran, Mohammad Reza Aref, warned Israel that Nasrallah’s death would “bring about their destruction.” Iran, which finances and arms Hezbollah, vowed to continue Nasrallah’s work, with foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani saying his “sacred goal will be realised in the liberation of Quds (Jerusalem), God willing.”

Many world leaders expressed concern over the escalation and urged restraint. The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, expressed “grave concern” over the situation, while Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called for protecting civilians. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy spoke with the Lebanese premier and agreed on the need for an immediate ceasefire.

France demanded Israel halt its strikes in Lebanon and called for other actors, including Hezbollah and Iran, to refrain from any actions that could lead to further instability.

Palestinian militant group Hamas called the killing a “cowardly terrorist act” and condemned the “barbaric Zionist aggression.” Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed condolences to Lebanon for the deaths of Nasrallah and civilians.

Saudi Arabia, a major regional player, called for all parties to exercise “wisdom and restraint” to avoid a full-blown war.

Meanwhile, Russia condemned the killing as a “political murder” and urged Israel to cease military action.

While some leaders, like Argentina’s President Javier Milei, celebrated Nasrallah’s death, the widespread condemnation and fear of regional escalation highlight the grave consequences of this event.

Read More