18 October 2023 , 11:48
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Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah movement has called for a "day of rage" to condemn the horrific strike on the Gaza city hospital.
Hezbollah - an ally of Palestinian Islamist group Hamas - blamed the hospital attack on Israel, calling it a "massacre" and a "brutal crime". Israel says they have evidence to prove they did not fore the rocket and are blaming militant group Islamic Jihad. Israel's defence force shared raw footage it says shows the rocket was aimed at Israel before it misfired and hit the hospital.
In a statement Hezbollah is calling on people to take to the streets on Wednesday to protest. It read: "Let tomorrow, Wednesday, be a day of rage against the enemy." It added that is was calling on fellow Muslims and Arabs to "move immediately to streets and squares to express intense anger".
At the French embassy in Lebanon's capital Beirut, hundreds have gathered to raise Hezbollah flags and have also been seen throwing stones which are piling up at the embassy's main entrance. Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati has declared Wednesday a national day of mourning.
Protesters clash with Lebanese security forces on October 18, 2023, outside the US Embassy (AFP via Getty Images)In the commons on Monday, former prime minister Theresa May, said Rishi Sunak "must ensure no stone is left unturned in ensuring the conflict in the Middle East does not escalate".
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She said: “The attack on Israel by Hamas terrorists was barbaric. Terrorists must be defeated whoever they are, wherever they are. Can I commend the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary for the stance that the Government has taken in support of the Jewish community here in the UK, in support of Israel and its right to defend itself. I welcome the Prime Minister’s statement that action must be taken in line with international humanitarian law. But will he commit today that the Government will leave no stone unturned in its efforts to prevent regional escalation of the conflict, and in doing so will he reflect on the role of Iran?”
Rishi Sunak responded: “I can give her that reassurance as something that we have discussed extensively with partners in the region but also why last week I deployed surveillance aircraft and assets to the Mediterranean. They are already engaged with ensuring that arms shipments do not find their way to people like Hezbollah, and Iran does not see this as as opportunity to escalate the conflict.”