In a televised speech on Wednesday, the leader of the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah, made threats against the European island of Cyprus in the event of a war between Israel and Lebanon.
Nasrallah’s statements came in response to Israel’s warnings of the looming possibility of “all-out war” with the Iran-backed militant group. The Hezbollah leader said that “Cyprus will also be involved in this war” if it offers its airports and bases to Israeli forces.
This threat to Cyprus is a worrying escalation in growing tensions between Hezbollah and Israel, exacerbated by the Hamas attacks on October 7 and the Israeli army’s recent military campaign in Gaza. Exchanges of cross-border attacks between the two sides have gained momentum in recent weeks, raising fears of the advent of open war.
Even more worrying, Hezbollah released drone video showing civilian and military locations around the Israeli city of Haifa. This show of force drew vehement reactions from Israel, with the foreign minister warning of a “total war” in which “Hezbollah would be destroyed and Lebanon severely weakened.”
Nasrallah used the video as evidence of his group’s growing ability to gather intelligence, saying no area in Israel would be safe from their missiles. This show of force and threat represents a dangerous game of tension between the two parties, endangering the stability of the region.
The reaction of the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, was categorical: Cyprus does not wish to be a party to armed conflicts. He underlined the constructive role of Cyprus in resolving regional crises, highlighting its humanitarian commitment recognized by the international community.
This escalation in tensions in the Middle East raises concerns about a possible open war between Hezbollah and Israel, with devastating consequences for the region. It is imperative that regional and international actors work towards appeasement and a peaceful resolution of conflicts, in order to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe.
This series of events highlights the fragility of the situation in the Middle East and the need for effective diplomacy to prevent a military escalation with disastrous consequences. Only a concerted and proactive approach can guarantee security and stability in the region, removing the specter of a devastating war for innocent civilians trapped in political rivalries and armed conflicts.