Lebanon and the Middle East are experiencing critical and decisive days, with the likelihood of escalation high, and the key factor being the situation on the ground amidst Western and regional diplomatic efforts for calm.
Concurrently, Hezbollah's Secretary-General, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, addressed Israel during a speech at the funeral of martyr leader Fouad Shakr, saying: "Laugh a little and you will cry a lot because you do not know the red lines you have crossed and where you have gone. We are in a new phase on all fronts of support, and the enemy should expect the revenge of the honorable in the region." He affirmed, "The enemy and those behind it should await our inevitable response, without any debate. Time and the battlefield will be our judge."
Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri, during his meeting with the British ministerial delegation, reiterated that "Lebanon does not want war but is ready to defend itself," pointing out that "the recent Israeli arrogance, by rejecting all proposals and persisting in breaching the rules of engagement and assassinations, is dragging the region into unpredictable dangers."
Prime Minister Najib Mikati, during his meeting with the UK Foreign and Defense Ministers David Lammy and John Healy, emphasized that Israel violated our land, contravening international laws, and that the solution must be political.
Deputy Michel Murr congratulated the Lebanese Army on its anniversary, writing on his "X" platform account: "You are the honor and sacrifice, and we owe you loyalty."
The Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs filed a complaint with the UN Security Council, calling for the condemnation of Israeli attacks on Lebanon.
Regionally, several Palestinians were killed and injured in the continuous Israeli bombardment for the 300th consecutive day.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel is on high alert and that any aggressive action against Israel will come at a high cost for its enemies.
Hamas leader Mahmoud Mardawi confirmed that "Mohammed Deif is fine and monitoring Israel's claims of his assassination."
Additionally, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani informed his Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan during a phone call that Iran would take action against Israel following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. The Saudi minister emphasized "the need to reduce tensions in the region" and welcomed the call for an OIC meeting after Haniyeh's assassination.
Simultaneously, massive crowds participated in Haniyeh's funeral in Tehran, with Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stating that Iran will "certainly carry out the Supreme Leader’s order" to avenge Haniyeh.
Internationally, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged all parties in the Middle East to cease "escalatory actions" during a press conference in Mongolia.
Tens of thousands of activists in the United States signed an electronic petition demanding the U.S. Congress immediately stop sending weapons to Israel. The Washington Post reported that the U.S. deployed 12 warships to the Middle East following the assassinations of Ismail Haniyeh, the political bureau chief of Hamas, and Hezbollah leader Fouad Shakr.
Economically, gold prices surpassed $2,500 per ounce in today’s trading, setting a new historical record.