Australia Probes Hezbollah’s Assertion That Ali Bazzi Was a Member of Their Militant Group

Australia is conducting an inquiry into Hezbollah’s assertion that Ali Bazzi, a victim of Tuesday’s airstrike in Bint Jbeil, was a member of their militant group.

Acting Foreign Minister of Australia, Mark Dreyfus, confirmed that both Ali and his brother Ibrahim Bazzi are Australian citizens. Ibrahim recently traveled from Sydney to Lebanon with his wife Shorouq Hammoud, who was also killed in the attack. Hammoud, a recent recipient of an Australian visa, was planning to relocate to Australia with Ibrahim.

The three victims’ coffins were covered with Hezbollah’s flag during the funeral procession.

Dreyfus highlighted that under Australian law, Hezbollah is recognized as a terrorist organization. He emphasized that it is illegal for any Australian to engage with, support, or fight alongside such a group.

While Dreyfus acknowledged communication with Israel regarding the airstrike, he did not reveal the details of the conversation. He reiterated Australia’s stance on the current conflict, calling for the protection of civilian lives and expressing concerns about the conflict’s potential escalation.

Furthermore, Dreyfus reiterated the Australian government’s advisory against travel to Lebanon, urging Australians in the country to leave via commercial flights while still possible.

He also mentioned that the Australian embassy in Beirut is prepared to offer consular support to the Bazzi family if needed.