Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement announced on Saturday the death of its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, following an Israeli air strike on Beirut the previous night. The news has sent shockwaves throughout the region, heightening tensions between Israel and Lebanon.
In the early hours of Saturday, Israeli forces launched fresh attacks on targets in Beirut’s southern suburb of Dahieh, a stronghold of Hezbollah. Israel claimed it was targeting Hezbollah weapons stored beneath civilian buildings. The strikes resulted in significant destruction and civilian casualties.
Local resident Ahmad Ijaber described the scene with anguish: “They continued to bomb the targets with warships and planes, throwing tons of explosives on defenseless citizens without any justification, without any compassion for the children and women. The enemy army is committing massacres all over the south, from Bekaa to the southern suburbs.”
The attacks have reignited fears of a broader conflict in the region. Southern Lebanon has seen an escalation in violence, with reports of widespread damage and civilian displacement. International observers are calling for restraint from all parties to prevent further escalation.
The death of Hassan Nasrallah marks a significant turning point for Hezbollah. As the organization’s chief, Nasrallah was a central figure in Lebanon’s political landscape and a prominent opponent of Israeli policies. His death raises questions about the future direction of Hezbollah and the potential for retaliation.
Meanwhile, humanitarian organizations are expressing concern over the rising number of civilian casualties. Calls for an immediate ceasefire and dialogue are intensifying as the international community watches the unfolding situation closely.
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Israel committing massacres all over southern Lebanon, says resident
cgtn.com
