Israeli Airstrike Kill Australian Man. Hezbollah Claims Link To The Deceased (image: representational)
The Australian government confirmed the death of two Australians in Lebanon was by the Israeli air strike. According to Reuters, Hezbollah said one among the deceased Australians had links with the group. Australia’s Acting Foreign Minister, Mark Dreyfus confirmed “Hezbollah has claimed Australian as one of its fighters”.
Mr Dreyfus advised Australians in Lebanon to leave the country while commercial flights are still available. Reuters cited local sources and Lebanese security official saying that the Lebanese-Australian man, his wife, and his brother were killed in the Israeli attack, which targeted residential home in Bint Jbeil, a Lebanese town.
The dead were identified as Ali Bazzi, his wife Shorouq Hammoud and his brother Ibrahim Bazzi. When Hezbollah confirmed about Ali Bazzi’s link with the armed group, they did not claim his wife and brother to be a part of the Iranian-backed militant group of Lebanon.
While talking to media, Mr Dreyfus said “it is an offence for any Australian to corporate with, to support or to let alone to fight with a listed terrorist organization like Hezbollah”. He said the Australian government will continue to make inquiries about Ali Bazzi and his links with Hezbollah, as reported by news.com, an Australian media.
Citing the travel ban to Lebanon, the acting Foreign Minister of Australia said the travel warning is still on and Australians must not travel to Lebanon and stressed the Australian government’s serious concern about the Israel-Hamas war spreading into the Middle East. He also confirmed about Australian government’s communication with Israel regarding the issue, but did not disclose the nature of the discussions.
The incident happened amidst the increased cross border clash between the Iranian-backed militant groups of Lebanon, Hezbollah and the Israeli occupation force. The escalation has been happening since the war between Israel and Hamas has started on October 7th. In October itself, Australia issued travel guidance, asking to avoid the Lebanon region citing “volatile security situation”.
