The Israel Defense Forces have stated that they killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in air strikes on Beirut on Friday. However, Hezbollah has yet to issue a comment regarding the claim. Nasrallah, who has not appeared in public for years due to fears of assassination by Israel, is one of the most recognizable and influential figures in the Middle East.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei expressed support for Hezbollah, asserting that “all the resistance forces in the region stand” with them. Notably, Khamenei did not mention Nasrallah directly in his remarks, despite the longstanding backing Hezbollah has received from Iran.
Following the strikes on Beirut, air assaults continued in southern areas of the city. A BBC correspondent reported seeing thick smoke rising from several locations in Dahieh on Saturday morning, indicating ongoing hostilities in the region.
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The Israeli military also confirmed that it was attacking targets in the Bekaa Valley after detecting a rocket fired from Lebanon. This action underscores the escalating tensions along the border.
On Friday, Lebanese officials reported that six people were killed and 91 others injured as a result of the air strikes. Local sources have indicated that the death toll from Israeli operations in Lebanon has approached 800 since the escalation began on Monday.
The situation remains fluid, with reports of continuous air strikes and military activity. As tensions rise, the humanitarian impact on civilians in Lebanon is becoming increasingly severe.
The potential implications of Nasrallah’s reported death could be significant, affecting Hezbollah’s operations and its support network in the region. Observers are closely monitoring developments to assess how this might alter the dynamics of the conflict.
As the conflict intensifies, the international community is watching closely, with concerns over the broader ramifications for regional stability and security.
