BEIRUT, Lebanon: Israel launched consecutive strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs from late Saturday into Sunday, shaking the city for nearly 30 minutes. The bombings targeted Hezbollah strongholds in retaliation for the group’s actions and resulted in the death of its leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, and possibly his successor, Hashem Safieddine. Safieddine has been missing since Friday, following an Israeli airstrike near Beirut’s international airport.
Israeli forces have expanded operations beyond Hezbollah’s usual strongholds, conducting airstrikes in Tripoli, where a Hamas leader, his wife, and two children were reportedly killed. Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari confirmed that 440 Hezbollah fighters had been killed and 2,000 targets destroyed. As Israel ramps up assaults, Lebanese officials report civilian casualties and widespread displacement, with 1.2 million Lebanese citizens forced from their homes.
These intensified strikes coincide with the one-year anniversary of Hamas’s attack on Israel, which resulted in 1,200 Israeli deaths. Israel’s ongoing response in Gaza has led to the deaths of approximately 42,000 Palestinians, raising concerns of a broader regional conflict involving Hezbollah and Iranian-backed forces. Iran launched ballistic missiles at Israel earlier in the week, further heightening tensions. As the situation escalates, global protests against the violence continue, with demonstrations in major cities worldwide.