Smoke billowed over Beirut’s southern suburbs on September 29, 2024, following Israeli airstrikes. Israel intensified its assault on Iran-backed Hezbollah after killing the group’s leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, in a massive raid. Israel’s military announced it had targeted numerous Hezbollah positions, destroying structures storing weapons and other terrorist infrastructure. The attacks also included the interception of a projectile from the Red Sea and eight more from Lebanon.
Nasrallah’s death, confirmed by Israel on Saturday, marked a significant loss for Hezbollah and Iran, removing a pivotal figure in Tehran’s allied network across the Arab world. Hezbollah vowed to continue its fight against Israel, launching rockets even after Nasrallah’s death was announced.
The past two weeks have been particularly devastating for Hezbollah, beginning with the mysterious detonation of its communication devices, widely attributed to Israel. Israeli airstrikes on September 27 heavily damaged homes and obliterated buildings, further exacerbating tensions.
This escalating conflict stirs fears of broader regional involvement, potentially drawing in Iran and the U.S. Hezbollah and Israel’s clashes are occurring alongside Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza against Hamas since last October’s attack by the Palestinian group.
Lebanon’s health ministry reported 33 fatalities from Israeli airstrikes on Saturday, bringing the death toll since October 8 of the previous year to over 1,670, including 104 children. Displaced families in Beirut sought refuge in places like Zaitunay Bay, while the United Nations’ World Food Programme launched an emergency operation to feed up to 1 million affected individuals.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, deeming Nasrallah’s killing crucial for regional stability, warned of looming challenges. In contrast, U.S. President Joe Biden supported Israel’s self-defense but called for a ceasefire, highlighting the need for restraint. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed vengeance and appealed for a U.N. meeting on Israel’s regional actions.
Within Lebanon, Nasrallah’s death reverberated widely, even prompting condolences from Christian clerics, despite Hezbollah’s controversial role in Lebanon’s turbulent history.
Original Story https://www.cnbc.com/2024/09/29/israel-pounds-lebanon-pressuring-hezbollah-after-killing-its-leader.html
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