Barran Press
The Arab League has officially dropped the designation of Hezbollah as a "terrorist organization," according to a statement by Assistant Secretary-General of the League, Hossam Zaki. This decision paves the way for renewed communication between the Arab League and the Lebanese political party.
Zaki, speaking to Egyptian news channel Cairo 24 following a visit to Beirut, confirmed that the Arab League's previous stance, which labeled Hezbollah as a terrorist entity, has been revoked. He explained that this change allows for open communication and dialogue with the group.
The Arab League's decision comes after a visit by Zaki to Beirut, where he met with various Lebanese political figures, including Hezbollah leader Mohammad Raad. This marked the first contact between the Arab League and Hezbollah in over a decade.
The League's 2016 designation of Hezbollah as a terrorist organization was met with reservations from Lebanon and Iraq. The decision followed a similar declaration by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) that also labeled Hezbollah as a terrorist organization.
Zaki's visit to Lebanon focused on addressing the escalating tensions between Hezbollah and Israel in southern Lebanon, as well as the ongoing presidential vacuum in the country. The visit comes amidst heightened fears of a potential war between Hezbollah and Israel.
Hezbollah, a powerful Shia political and military group in Lebanon, has been accused of interfering in the internal affairs of Arab countries, including supporting the Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Houthis are recognized as a terrorist group by many countries, including the United States.
The Arab League's decision to drop the "terrorist organization" label for Hezbollah marks a significant shift in its policy towards the group. It remains to be seen how this change will affect relations between the Arab League and Hezbollah, as well as the broader regional landscape.