Beirut, Lebanon – Hezbollah confirmed the death of high-ranking official Nabil Kaouk in an Israeli airstrike, adding to the list of casualties in the ongoing conflict. This comes after the Lebanese militant group acknowledged the killings of multiple commanders, including longtime leader Hassan Nasrallah. Israel has been targeting Hezbollah locations in Lebanon in response to recent attacks by the militants in the region.
In a recent development, an Israeli airstrike hit central Beirut – the first time in nearly a year of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The strike targeted a multi-story residential building near the Cola intersection, causing damage and casualties. This marked a shift in Israel’s strategy as previous strikes primarily targeted Beirut’s southern suburbs, where Hezbollah has a strong presence.
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden expressed the need to avoid an all-out war in the Middle East and planned to speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. As tensions escalate, the United Nations reported that over 211,000 people have been displaced from southern Lebanon. The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has intensified since the Gaza-based Palestinian militant group attacked Israel almost a year ago, sparking fears of a regional war.
In response to Houthi attacks, Israel has also targeted Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, leading to casualties and destruction. The ongoing airstrikes have raised concerns about the humanitarian impact and the potential for further escalation in the region. As the situation evolves, it is crucial for world leaders to prioritize diplomatic solutions and work towards de-escalating tensions.
The Israeli military’s actions have drawn condemnation from Iran, which has a historical alliance with Hezbollah. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called the Israeli attacks on Hezbollah and Houthi rebels “crimes” and emphasized the need for a decisive response. The international community, including the United States, has been closely monitoring the situation and advocating for a ceasefire to prevent further loss of life and displacement of civilians.
As the conflict continues to unfold, the World Food Program has launched an emergency operation to provide food assistance to up to 1 million people displaced by the violence in Lebanon. The agency emphasized the urgent need for financial support to sustain its efforts and address the growing humanitarian crisis in the region. With thousands of people displaced and infrastructure damaged, the situation in Lebanon remains critical and requires coordinated efforts to provide aid and support to those affected.