TRANSCRIPT
Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, has emerged unscathed after his group's communications devices were simultaneously detonated across Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Thirty-seven people were killed across Lebanon, including two children and approximately 3,000 others wounded.
In his first speech since the deadly attacks Mr Nasrallah blamed Israel.
“What happened on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Tuesday - I only want to give a summary as you all know what happened - thousands of pagers were targeted by the Israeli enemy, and they were all detonated at the same time. The enemy violated, through this attack, all the regulations, laws, and red lines.”
Mr Nasrallah says Israel aimed to kill thousands.
"Over two days and in one minute on Tuesday and in one minute on Wednesday, the Israeli enemy was aiming to kill no less than 5,000 people in two minutes without caring about any limits. And they (Israel) have no problem with where they (the people) are killed and how they are killed."
Prominent British Human Rights Lawyer Geoffrey Nice says the detonation of the devices amounts to a war crime.
"It's pretty obvious here, a war crime, and we should call it out for what it is. I think as a general point, we've got to recognise that political leaders and international bodies are very reluctant to use clear terminology where clear terminology would help the citizen. The conflict between Israel and Gaza is being conducted in a criminal way on both sides."
Hezbollah's leader says by carrying out these attacks, Israel has declared all out war, and will pay a hefty price.
"This will be confronted with a severe reckoning and a just retribution - in expected and unexpected ways. But because this new battle involved hidden hands, let me change my approach. I will not talk about a time, form, place or date. Leave the subject, and the news will be what you see, not what you hear."
As Mr Nasrallah spoke, Israeli fighter jets flew over the Lebanese capital, Beirut, breaking the sound barrier with two loud booms, prompting people in homes and offices to quickly open windows to prevent them from shattering.
The jets also fired flares.
Tensions at the Israel-Lebanon border have sharply escalated in recent weeks, with Israel and Hezbollah backed by Iran, exchanging fire.
A large number of Israelis have abandoned their homes in the north near Lebanon's border fearing they fall victim to Hezbollah rockets.
Just yesterday, Israel announced that two of its soldiers were killed by cross-border fire from Lebanon.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant says that after months of fighting Hamas in Gaza, Israel will now focus on its north.
“The centre of gravity is moving to the north, the meaning is that we are diverting forces, resources, energy towards the north, we have not forgotten the hostages and we have not forgotten our tasks in the Gaza Strip, this is our duty and we are performing it at the same time. ... The prime minister, the chief of staff, the head of the Shin Bet, the head of the Mossad and the minister of defence - and everything they represent, all in cooperation, and it is dedicated to one goal - to bring the residents back home.”
Mr Nasrallah has vowed to never let Israeli residents return home.
This comes as the US says it will keep a strong military presence in the Middle East should the conflict expand, something White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre says must be avoided.
“We've spoken about this and our concerns. And so we've been very clear about this. Our commitment, obviously, to Israel's security is ironclad. We are unwavering, unwavering against all Iran-backed threats, including Hezbollah. And what we have said ...is that diplomatic resolution is achievable. That's what we still believe. It is urgent. Obviously, the conflict along the blue line has gone on for way too long, far too long, and it needs to get to a resolution quickly. And so we're going to continue to do that, continue to have those diplomatic conversations. We continue to work on a cease fire deal. We believe that is, that is the way forward."
The Blue Line is a U-N-designated line marking Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon in 2000, after a 22-year occupation.
It stretches for approximately 120 kilometres and in many areas, runs close to civilian villages, farmland, and contested territories.
It acts as a buffer to prevent further hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces.
Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, is urging all parties to resume a ceasefire to restore stability in South Lebanon and Northern Israel.
"We continue to urge the parties to recommit to the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 and return to a cessation of hostilities to restore stability. ... These mechanisms and these mandates were created by the Security Council, were created by Member States. So it is ... important that Member States also exercise a positive influence on moving towards de-escalation."
This comes as Palestinian diplomats ask the U-N Security Council to follow up on the General Assembly's resolution demanding that Israel end its “unlawful presence” in Gaza and the occupied West Bank within a year.
The vote in the 193-member world body was 124-14, with 43 abstentions.
Among those in opposition was the United States, Israel’s closest ally.
The resolution, introduced by the Palestinians, was lauded by Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour, who implored the Security Council to follow with a similar, binding resolution.
"So the court acted and gave an opinion, an historic one. The General Assembly acted, based on the request of the court to adopt modalities for bringing this illegal occupation to an end as quickly as possible. ... Will the Security Council follow them and act in accordance with the mandate given to the Security Council and the charter of the United Nations to maintain international peace and security. That is the big question before you, Mr. President."
