Hezbollah Reaffirms ‘Gaza-Lebanon Equation’

Elements of UNIFIL forces participated in protecting the activities of the medical day to assist displaced families in the city of Tyre (EPA)
Elements of UNIFIL forces participated in protecting the activities of the medical day to assist displaced families in the city of Tyre (EPA)
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Hezbollah Reaffirms ‘Gaza-Lebanon Equation’

Elements of UNIFIL forces participated in protecting the activities of the medical day to assist displaced families in the city of Tyre (EPA)
Elements of UNIFIL forces participated in protecting the activities of the medical day to assist displaced families in the city of Tyre (EPA)

The Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon has reiterated its stance in the conflict with Israel, connecting the halt of Gaza aggression to ceasing “support operations” in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah underscored that Lebanon will decide on future actions.
During a ceremony honoring a Hezbollah fighter, Hassan Fadlallah, a Hezbollah parliamentary member, said: “The resistance in Gaza determines our steps. Today, we’re on the brink of a major blow to the occupying army, despite sacrifices.”
“In Lebanon, the equation is clear: when Gaza attacks stop, support actions cease. Our front supports pressure on the enemy to defend Lebanon, preventing any thought of violating our land,” added Fadlallah.
Responding to concerns about Hezbollah’s influence in Lebanese politics, Fadlallah asserted Lebanon’s sovereignty in decision-making.
“Post-aggression decisions are Lebanese. They’re decided by Lebanese people and authorities, strengthening Lebanon’s defense and denying the enemy political gains they couldn't achieve militarily,” he affirmed.
Fadlalllah pointed to Israeli army exhaustion as a factor in halting the Gaza conflict.
“The Israeli army is now unable to continue, pressuring political leaders to stop the war,” he claimed.
Criticizing Hezbollah opponents in Lebanon, he said: “Some political voices undermine Lebanon’s strength.”
Field reports noted cautious calm in South Lebanon after limited cross-border clashes between Hezbollah and Israel and night bombings injuring four civilians, including firefighters.



Moroccan King Calls for Eid Animal Sacrifice Restraint 

Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs Ahmed Toufiq makes the announcement on national television. (MAP)
Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs Ahmed Toufiq makes the announcement on national television. (MAP)
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Moroccan King Calls for Eid Animal Sacrifice Restraint 

Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs Ahmed Toufiq makes the announcement on national television. (MAP)
Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs Ahmed Toufiq makes the announcement on national television. (MAP)

The king of Morocco has called on people to refrain from sacrificing sheep during a religious festival later this year because of a drought that has decimated livestock populations and driven up the price of meat.

Millions of sheep, goats and other livestock are sacrificed across the Muslim world every year during Eid al-Adha, one of two key Islamic holidays and due this year in June.

But Morocco is enduring a seventh consecutive year of drought, which has led to a 38 percent fall in livestock numbers in 12 months.

Rainfall has been 53 percent lower than the average of the last 30 years, according to the agriculture ministry.

"Our country is facing climatic and economic challenges that have resulted in a substantial decline in livestock," King Mohammed VI said in a speech read by Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs Ahmed Toufiq on national television Wednesday.

While acknowledging the importance of the Eid festival, the king called on his people "to refrain from performing the rite of sacrifice".

Mohammed VI's father, Hassan II, made a similar call in 1966 when the country also endured a prolonged drought.