Hezbollah statements add 'defence of Lebanon and its people' to sign-offs

Hezbollah has begun releasing statements to accompany its attacks that sign off with the "defence of Lebanon and its people" in addition to solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza.

In an initial statement released on Telegram on Tuesday afternoon, the Lebanese group added the new sign-off in large red lettering:

"In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Permission [to fight] has been granted to those who are being fought, because they were wronged. And indeed, Allah is competent to give them victory. This is the truth of Allah, the Most High, the Almighty," read the statement.

"In support of our steadfast Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and in support of their brave and honorable resistance, and in defense of Lebanon and its people."

Journalist Zeina Khodr suggested that the change in sign-off was made by Hezbollah to indicate that the fight "against Israel is no longer just to help the people of Gaza but to defend Lebanon and the Lebanese people."