Tensions Escalate in Middle East Following Hezbollah Leader's Death

National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah warns of rising tensions following the death of Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah. Calls for global leaders to pressure Israel for peace, echoing sentiments after Mehbooba Mufti cancels campaign in solidarity with Lebanon and Gaza.

National Conference (JKNC) Vice President Omar Abdullah has voiced grave concerns about a looming "cloud of war" in the Middle East following the death of Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah. Addressing reporters on Sunday, Abdullah highlighted his opposition to Israel's bombing campaigns and urged global leaders to advocate for peace.

Abdullah stressed the importance of ending the violence and civilian casualties in Gaza and Lebanon, calling on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other international leaders to apply pressure on Israel. He stated, "We have consistently opposed the use of force by Israel over the past year and demand a halt to the killings of innocent people, whether in Gaza, Lebanon, or elsewhere."

On Saturday, Mehbooba Mufti, the People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief, announced the cancellation of her election campaign in solidarity with the victims in Lebanon and Gaza. Mufti expressed her support for Palestine and Lebanon, following Nasrallah's death in an Israeli airstrike confirmed by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF). Protests erupted in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam region in response to the killing.

(With inputs from agencies.)