Israel’s military has officially announced the death of Hashem Safieddine, the senior Hezbollah leader considered the successor to the group’s chief, Hassan Nasrallah, following a targeted airstrike three weeks ago in southern Beirut. The strike, which took place on October 3, 2024, in the Hezbollah stronghold of Dahieh, also claimed the lives of several top commanders, including Ali Hussein Hazima, the head of Hezbollah’s Intelligence Directorate
Israeli forces intensified airstrikes across Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah infrastructure after a year-long conflict with Hamas spilled into a broader regional war. The offensive, which escalated after Nasrallah’s assassination on September 27, included multiple strikes on Hezbollah positions in Beirut, Nabatiyeh, and Hermel
Israeli military officials have described the death of Safieddine, Hezbollah’s Executive Council leader and Nasrallah’s cousin, as a devastating blow to the group’s leadership structure. Despite the significance of the strike, Hezbollah has not officially responded to the deaths of Safieddine and Hazima, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the group’s command
The ongoing conflict has already claimed over 1,552 lives in Lebanon since September 23, 2024, as reported by the Lebanese health ministry. Israeli ground forces have been deployed to secure the northern border, and fresh airstrikes continue to bombard Hezbollah targets. Israeli Army Chief Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi stated, “We have reached Nasrallah, his replacement, and most of Hezbollah’s senior leadership,” signaling Israel’s commitment to dismantling Hezbollah’s command
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss efforts to establish a ceasefire in Gaza, where Israel is also waging an intense military campaign against Hamas. Despite these efforts, the broader conflict shows no signs of de-escalation, with Hezbollah continuing to launch rocket attacks into northern Israel, intensifying the situation along the Israel-Lebanon border
Israeli airstrikes have also caused extensive damage to civilian areas in Lebanon. On October 22, an airstrike near a hospital in southern Beirut resulted in the deaths of 18 people, including children, sparking international concern over the rising civilian toll
Humanitarian agencies have voiced alarm at the ongoing devastation, urging all parties to prioritize civilian safety amid the violence.
