Israeli Airstrike in Beirut Kills 45, Including Prominent Hezbollah Leaders
The Lebanese Health Ministry has confirmed that the death toll from Friday’s Israeli airstrike on the southern suburbs of Beirut has climbed to 45.
Recovery operations are still underway for the third consecutive day, with various security agencies working together to locate and identify victims.
Forensic teams are meticulously collecting samples from the bodies of unidentified individuals in hospitals for DNA testing to aid in the identification process.
Reports indicate that the targeted building was hit by four rockets, causing collateral damage to nearby structures.
The Israeli army has claimed responsibility for the strike, stating that it resulted in the assassination of a prominent Hezbollah military leader, Ibrahim Aqil, and several other senior commanders.
Hezbollah has acknowledged the loss of at least 16 members in the attack, including Aqil and top commander Ahmed Wahbi.
This recent airstrike adds to the tally of Israeli assaults on Beirut’s southern suburbs, a stronghold of Hezbollah, amidst ongoing hostilities over the past year.
Notable previous casualties include Hamas political bureau deputy chief Saleh al-Arouri in January and Hezbollah leader Fouad Shukr in July.
The strike comes amidst heightened tensions, described by Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant as a “new wave” of escalation in Lebanon, signaling a shift in the conflict with Hezbollah.
Hezbollah and Israel have been embroiled in cross-border conflicts since the onset of the Israeli war on Gaza, which has resulted in a significant loss of life, mainly affecting women and children, following a cross-border altercation by Hamas on October 7 of last year. — Agencies
