Israel has confirmed the death of a top Hezbollah commander, Muhammad Hussein Srour, in a targeted airstrike in Beirut on Thursday. The strike hit the Dahieh neighbourhood, resulting in at least two fatalities and injuring 15 others, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health. Hezbollah has yet to comment on Srour's death.
This development follows Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's assertion that Israel will "continue the fighting with full force." Earlier on the same day, Israeli attacks near the Syrian-Lebanese border claimed at least 23 lives, including 19 Syrian refugees, and injured four.
Since Monday, Israeli assaults have reportedly killed nearly 700 people in Lebanon, as stated by the Lebanese Ministry of Health. These strikes have intensified following recent explosions across the country, causing heightened tensions.
Despite a proposal from the U.S. and France for a 21-day cease-fire, Netanyahu dismissed the idea, insisting that operations in Gaza will persist until Israel achieves its military objectives. President Joe Biden emphasised global support for the cease-fire initiative during a return from the U.N. General Assembly, underscoring the need to prevent the conflict from escalating further.
Meanwhile, Israel's Ministry of Defence has secured an $8.7 billion aid package from the U.S. to bolster its military efforts, including funding for air defence systems. As the situation escalates,
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi warned that Iran will not stay passive in the event of a full-scale war in Lebanon, insisting that Israel's actions will not go unpunished. The region remains on edge as Israel prepares for potential ground operations, with calls for de-escalation growing louder amid fears of broader conflict.
