“If the intensity of the war increases, think about all possibilities of escalation.”
Hamas releases at least 50 hostages in 4-day ceasefire
While Israel and Hamas agreed to release hostages in exchange for a four-day cessation of fighting, Iran’s foreign minister warned that the war would expand to the Middle East if the ceasefire was not extended.
According to Iran’s Fars News Agency on the 22nd (local time), Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian said in an interview with local media during his visit to Beirut, Lebanon, “If the ceasefire does not continue, the scope of the war will expand.”
Minister Amir Abdollahian pressed, saying, “We are not trying to expand the scope of the war,” adding, “If the intensity of the war increases, we can think of all possibilities to expand the scope of the war.”
He said Iran is looking at two options, saying, “One is to convert the humanitarian ceasefire into a permanent ceasefire, and the other is to threaten the Palestinian people.”
In the latter case, he criticized, saying, “The Palestinian people will make their own decisions,” and “Netanyahu (Israeli Prime Minister) cannot achieve his dream of destroying Hamas.”
He added, “We support whatever decision Hamas makes.”
The Israeli cabinet approved an agreement the previous day calling for a four-day ceasefire in exchange for the release of at least 50 hostages. The release of 150 Palestinians detained by Israel was also included as a condition.
However, it was said that if Hamas releases additional hostages, the ceasefire can be extended by one day for every 10 hostages. During the ceasefire, all military operations are suspended.
This is Minister Amir Abdollahian’s second visit to Lebanon since the outbreak of war in the Gaza Strip, and during this visit he met high-ranking Lebanese and Palestinian officials.
In the border area between Lebanon and Israel, fighting between Israel and Hezbollah is intensifying. The previous day, eight people, including two journalists from a Lebanese media outlet, were killed in an Israeli attack.
In response, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati issued a statement after meeting with Minister Amir Abdollahian, saying, “Influential countries are putting pressure on Israel to stop its attacks on southern Lebanon, especially targeted attacks on civilians and journalists.” “Please give it to me,” he urged.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Netanyahu said at a press conference that day, “This deal does not apply to the front lines bordering Lebanon,” and implied that attacks against Hezbollah would continue even during the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.