Hezbollah Offers Housing Aid, Calls for Joint Reconstruction with Lebanon

Hezbollah’s Chief Naim Qassem (AFP)
Hezbollah’s Chief Naim Qassem (AFP)
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Hezbollah Offers Housing Aid, Calls for Joint Reconstruction with Lebanon

Hezbollah’s Chief Naim Qassem (AFP)
Hezbollah’s Chief Naim Qassem (AFP)

Hezbollah's leader, Naim Qassem, declared that the group remains resilient and has regained its unity following Israel's nearly two-month-long offensive on Lebanon.
Speaking at an event titled “The Reconstruction Campaign: A Promise and Commitment,” he detailed compensation plans for damaged homes, furniture, and rent, crediting Iran for most of the funding.
Qassem placed the responsibility for rebuilding on the Lebanese government and urged Arab nations to assist. He admitted Hezbollah recently faced its toughest challenge yet, saying, “Israel tried to crush the resistance but failed.”
The Hezbollah leader confirmed the group’s approval of the ceasefire as part of UN Resolution 1701, rejecting claims it involves other resolutions like 1559, which calls for disarming militias.
He said the Lebanese government is responsible for addressing violations, while Hezbollah supports giving the ceasefire a chance to succeed.
“Internal matters involving the party, the state, and the army are for Lebanon to decide, not Israel,” he added.
Qassem highlighted Hezbollah’s aid to displaced families, acknowledging most funds come from Iran.
“We thank Iran, Iraq, and Yemen for their generous support,” he said, urging Arab nations and the international community to help with reconstruction.
Hezbollah plans to provide $6,000–$8,000 for temporary housing and has already distributed $57 million in aid.
“Shelter and reconstruction are promises we will fulfill,” he stated, calling on the government to handle debris removal and infrastructure repairs.
Qassem accused the US and Israel of using extremist groups to destabilize Syria and shift it away from its resistance stance.
He vowed Hezbollah’s continued support for Syria to counter these efforts, saying, “We will stand by Syria to thwart this aggression".

Late in September, Israel waged a two-month offensive on Lebanon that mainly devastated the Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs in Beirut (Dahieh), and villages in south Lebanon and other areas, causing widespread destruction to homes, infrastructure, and vital services.

The offensive, which targeted Hezbollah strongholds, left large sections of the area in ruins, with buildings reduced to rubble and thousands of civilians displaced.

 



European Allies to Meet over Syria, Says Italy’s Foreign Ministry

 Passengers wear adopted flags by the new Syrian rulers at the arrival terminal of Damascus airport, as Qatar Airways becomes the first international airline to announce the return of international flights at Damascus airport after 13 years of its suspension, in Damascus, Syria, January 7, 2025. (Reuters)
Passengers wear adopted flags by the new Syrian rulers at the arrival terminal of Damascus airport, as Qatar Airways becomes the first international airline to announce the return of international flights at Damascus airport after 13 years of its suspension, in Damascus, Syria, January 7, 2025. (Reuters)
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European Allies to Meet over Syria, Says Italy’s Foreign Ministry

 Passengers wear adopted flags by the new Syrian rulers at the arrival terminal of Damascus airport, as Qatar Airways becomes the first international airline to announce the return of international flights at Damascus airport after 13 years of its suspension, in Damascus, Syria, January 7, 2025. (Reuters)
Passengers wear adopted flags by the new Syrian rulers at the arrival terminal of Damascus airport, as Qatar Airways becomes the first international airline to announce the return of international flights at Damascus airport after 13 years of its suspension, in Damascus, Syria, January 7, 2025. (Reuters)

Foreign ministers from Italy, France, Germany, Britain and the United States will meet this week over the situation in Syria, Italy said Tuesday.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani will preside over the meeting Thursday with his European and US counterparts, the ministry wrote in a statement.

The US Department of State had announced Monday that Secretary of State Anthony Blinken would meet European counterparts, calling it an occasion "to advocate for a peaceful, inclusive, Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political transition".

Opposition forces toppled longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in a lightning offensive last month after 13 years of brutal war, with Western powers cautiously hoping for greater stability in Syria.

Italy's foreign ministry said Tajani sought the meeting "to take stock of the situation in Syria one month after the fall of the Assad regime".

On the agenda is the work of Syria's transitional government and the challenges posed by an upcoming national dialogue conference, it said.

Also to be discussed are the drafting of a new constitution and Syria's economic recovery.

In Rome, Blinken will join US President Joe Biden as he pays a farewell visit to Italy's capital that includes an audience with Pope Francis.