Hamas launches surprise attack on Israel as Palestinian gunmen reported in south

[muriel_volestrangler]

6. Hezbollah congratulates Hamas but takes careful stance

The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah congratulated Hamas militants on the incursion into Israeli territory from Gaza, but issued a carefully-worded statement which suggests they are currently backing away from any further involvement, tamping down on concerns they could fire weaponry into Israel via its northern border.

In a statement issued via the Hezbollah-linked news outlet Al Manar, the group said they are “closely keeping pace with the important developments on the Palestinian scene and following conditions in the field with great interest,” adding that they remain “in direct contact,” with the leadership of Palestinian armed groups in order to assess ongoing events.

The statement also described the incursion as a message against normalisation to the international community, particularly those seeking diplomatic relations with Israel.

This is likely an oblique reference to countries in the Gulf, particularly Saudi Arabia which has been in the early stages of talks with the United States to discuss a potential peace deal with Israel.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2023/oct/07/hamas-launches-attack-on-israel-with-5000-rockets-live?page=with:block-652134738f08297bb342399b#block-652134738f08297bb342399b