Israel says its war ‘is not with the Lebanese people' after killing hundreds

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant issued a brief statement following the confirmation of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah’s death, saying that Israel’s war is not against the Lebanese people.

Addressing the Lebanese population, Gallant said: “It’s time for change.”

However, Israeli strikes across Lebanon over the past week have resulted in the deaths of hundreds, including many children, and displaced tens of thousands.

The air strike that killed Nasrallah on Friday targeted a densely populated civilian area in southern Beirut, destroying several residential buildings. Israel claimed the attack was aimed at a Hezbollah command centre.

Gallant further stated: “To our enemies, I say, we are strong and determined. To our partners, I would say, our war is your war."

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is seeking arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant for crimes against humanity in Gaza.