Hezbollah Leader Hassan Nasrallah Killed in Israeli Airstrike Amid Escalating Conflict

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an airstrike targeting the group's central command in Beirut on Friday, September 27, 2024. This development marks a pivotal moment in the long-standing conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah, which has intensified over the past year.

The Friday afternoon strike was part of a larger Israeli campaign to dismantle Hezbollah’s military leadership, which has been actively launching rockets and drones into Israeli territory from southern Lebanon since October 2023. The IDF’s statement noted that Nasrallah, who had led Hezbollah for more than 30 years, was eliminated along with Ali Karki, Commander of Hezbollah's Southern Front, and other high-ranking officials.

The airstrike hit Hezbollah's command center, located beneath a residential building in Beirut's southern suburbs, an area known to be a Hezbollah stronghold. The operation was strategically timed to minimize civilian casualties, as IDF officials stated they struck during the day when fewer people were at home. However, Lebanon’s health ministry reported at least six fatalities and 91 injuries, warning that more victims could still be trapped under the rubble.

Israeli officials described the strike as part of an effort to create a significant leadership vacuum within Hezbollah. This latest action follows months of escalated military activity between the two sides, which has resulted in hundreds of casualties, with Lebanon bearing the brunt of the death toll.

In response to the strike, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu abruptly ended his visit to the United States and returned to Israel. Hours before leaving, he addressed the United Nations, reaffirming Israel’s resolve to continue its campaign against Hezbollah until its objectives are achieved.

Netanyahu’s speech highlighted Israel’s commitment to defending itself against Hezbollah’s continued aggression. However, his comments dampened hopes for a cease-fire, despite U.S. and French diplomatic efforts to broker a 21-day truce. Several U.N. delegates walked out in protest before the Israeli Prime Minister began his address.

Hezbollah, recognized by many countries as a terrorist organization, has yet to respond officially to the airstrike. However, the militant group is known for its strong retaliatory stance. Tensions between Hezbollah and Israel surged after Hamas, Hezbollah's ally, initiated a major attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Since then, daily exchanges of fire have forced tens of thousands to flee their homes on both sides of the Lebanon-Israel.

The international community has expressed deep concern over the escalating violence. U.S. President Joe Biden was briefed several times on Friday regarding the airstrikes, with the White House stating that the Pentagon has been directed to adjust U.S. military posture in the region to ensure deterrence and protect American interests.

At a press conference in New York, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the gravity of the situation: “The choices made by all parties in the coming days will have far-reaching consequences for the Middle East and potentially the world. While Israel has every right to defend itself against terrorism, the manner in which it does so is critical.”

Israel's recent military actions, which have claimed over 720 lives in Lebanon, reflect its determination to neutralize Hezbollah's military power. Despite this, analysts predict that any potential ground invasion by Israeli forces would not last as long as the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Israel's objectives in Lebanon are seen as more narrowly focused on pushing Hezbollah away from the border, compared to its broader aims of dismantling Hamas in Gaza.

As the situation continues to unfold, the possibility of a wider regional conflict looms large, with major powers like the U.S. and France pushing for diplomatic solutions while Israel remains resolute in its military campaign


https://www.cbsnews.com/news/israel-lebanon-hezbollah-hassan-nasrallah-killed-beirut-strike/

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