AhlulBayt News Agency: Hezbollah has condemned what it described as a “dangerous and criminal act” by Israeli forces after they abducted a senior official from a Lebanese political group and transferred him to an unknown location.
In a statement released late Monday, the resistance movement denounced the kidnapping of al‑Jamaa al‑Islamiya official Atwi Atwi, who was seized from his home in the town of al‑Habbariyah during an Israeli raid in southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah said the abduction marks a serious escalation, accusing Israel of repeatedly violating Lebanon’s sovereignty through incursions, kidnappings, and deadly attacks on civilians.
The group added that the raid involved physical assaults on Atwi and his family members, along with intimidation of local residents.
“These crimes,” the statement said, “once again reveal the savage and criminal nature of the Israeli enemy, whose actions are rooted in killing, terrorism, piracy, and total disregard for Lebanese sovereignty.”
Hezbollah warned that the latest developments indicate “a new phase of Israeli aggression and lawlessness,” exposing all residents of southern Lebanon to ongoing danger.
The movement urged the Lebanese government to assume its full national responsibilities, especially after Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s recent visit to the south, where he witnessed the suffering of civilians and the continued Israeli presence.
The statement called on authorities to end what it described as silence and inaction, and to adopt firm political, diplomatic, and legal measures to protect citizens.
“The Lebanese government must take decisive steps and act immediately at all levels, rather than issuing statements that fail to deter the enemy,” Hezbollah said.
Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) reported that Israeli forces entered Habbariyah around 4 a.m. on Monday before abducting Atwi, a former mayor of the town.
Jamaa al‑Islamiya has claimed responsibility for several attacks on Israel in response to the recent Israeli military assault on Lebanon.
Israeli violations of the November 2024 ceasefire have resulted in hundreds of Lebanese casualties, while Israel continues to occupy five hilltops seized during the latest war, along with other Lebanese territories held for decades.
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