Hamas and Hezbollah launch joint effort to strengthen ‘Axis of Resistance’

Tensions are escalating in the Middle East as Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, has issued a call for recruitment in Lebanon, drawing criticism from mainstream Lebanese political parties.

Accusations of violating national sovereignty and reigniting memories of the civil war have been levelled against Hamas, but analysts suggest that this move might inadvertently serve the interests of Hezbollah.

Hezbollah, with its military dominance, particularly in southern Lebanon, is seen as attempting to enlist the support of Sunni groups like Hamas in its ongoing conflict with Israel.

According to Hilal Khashan, a political science professor at the American University of Beirut, Hezbollah's control over the border situation leaves little room for independent action by other actors.

Hamas and Hezbollah re-establish relations, forming an "Axis of Resistance"

Relations between Hamas and Hezbollah have recently resumed after a period of discord over the Syrian civil war. Members of Hamas leadership returned to Lebanon in 2017, indicating a thaw in relations.

The existence of a "joint security room" for the "Axis of Resistance," an Iranian-affiliated military coalition including both Hamas and Hezbollah, was revealed last year. Analysts speculate that Hamas's recruitment in Lebanon may have been a strategic decision made in consultation with Hezbollah.

French staff member killed in Israeli bombing, France calls for immediate truce

External pressure on Israel is mounting as the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs condemned the Israeli bombing of a residential building in Rafah, resulting in the death of a French staff member. The French government demands a swift investigation into the circumstances of the bombing. This comes at a time when Israel faces criticism for its "indiscriminate" bombing raids in Gaza, with over 80 per cent of the reported nearly 19,000 Palestinian casualties being civilians.

French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna has urged for an "immediate and durable" truce in the Gaza war, expressing deep concern over the situation in the war-ravaged Palestinian territory.

Israeli defence shifts focus to Hezbollah amid escalating conflict

As the conflict unfolds, Israeli defence priorities have shifted towards Hezbollah, with some viewing the Lebanese Shia movement as a greater threat than Hamas. Israeli paratroopers stationed at the northern border express concerns over the sophistication of Hezbollah compared to Hamas, emphasizing their readiness to deal with a potential escalation.

The Israeli defence minister and hawks in the cabinet reportedly considered a pre-emptive strike against Hezbollah in the aftermath of the October 7 attack by Hamas. While this proposal was fended off with U.S. backing, there is a growing conviction among Israeli politicians, generals, and the public that a new war in Lebanon is inevitable.

Regional tensions reach boiling point as conflict escalates

As tensions continue to rise in the Middle East, the alliance between Hamas and Hezbollah, the French condemnation of Israeli actions, and Israel's shifting defence focus underline the complexity and volatility of the situation.