Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
BEIRUT, November 18 (Xinhua) — Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem in a televised address on Monday accused the United States of deepening the economic crisis in Lebanon and Israel of escalating tensions on the country's southern border.
He said US policy contributed to Lebanon's economic collapse, leading to bank failures, the devaluation of the Lebanese pound, and persistent fuel and electricity shortages.
The Hezbollah leader accused Washington of manipulating local political groups to advance its own interests. He described certain Lebanese elites as "proxy forces" serving foreign interests at the expense of national sovereignty.
N. Qassem also criticized the recent US-backed sanctions against Hezbollah, saying they don't target the group but harm broad segments of the population, including social institutions and charities. "These measures are aimed at putting pressure on the party [Hezbollah], but ultimately they limit aid and services for all citizens," he said.
N. Qassem described recent events in southern Lebanon as "deliberate provocations" by Israel aimed at worsening the country's military, political, and economic situation. He condemned Israel's alleged violations of the Blue Line and accused UNIFIL peacekeepers of failing to prevent them. Any Lebanese who cooperate with Israel is effectively assisting the occupation forces and undermining national independence, N. Qassem emphasized.
Despite a ceasefire agreement reached between Hezbollah and Israel in November 2024, Israel has intensified airstrikes in recent weeks, accusing Lebanon of failing to disarm the group. Hezbollah has repeatedly rejected demands to disarm, stating that it remains committed to resisting Israeli actions and defending Lebanon's territorial integrity.
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