In a significant escalation of hostilities, Hezbollah has confirmed the death of its leader, Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike on September 28, 2024, in Beirut. He was 64 years old.
The Lebanese militant group announced the targeted strike, carried out by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), which they claim is part of Israel's ongoing campaign to dismantle Hezbollah’s military infrastructure amid rising tensions in the region. The IDF has claimed responsibility for the operation, emphasizing its commitment to neutralizing threats from Hezbollah, which it regards as a major security risk to Israel.
Hassan Nasrallah had been at the helm of Hezbollah since 1992, following the assassination of his predecessor. Under his leadership, Hezbollah evolved into a formidable military and political force within Lebanon, bolstered by strong ties to Iran. His death marks a pivotal turning point in the decades-long conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which has been characterized by intermittent violence and deep-seated animosities.
The Israeli government has pledged to maintain its operations against Hezbollah as part of its broader national security strategy. The circumstances surrounding Nasrallah's death have created a power vacuum within the group, raising questions about its future direction and stability in the region.
Reactions to Nasrallah's killing are expected to heighten tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, with both sides bracing for possible retaliation and an escalation of conflict in an already volatile landscape.