Israeli airstrikes targeted Hachem Safieddine, the presumed successor of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, in the southern suburbs of Beirut on Friday night, according to Israeli media reports. Safieddine, the head of Hezbollah’s executive council, was considered the most likely candidate to replace Nasrallah. The strikes were similar to the ones that killed Nasrallah, with massive explosions and red smoke plumes visible in Beirut. Israel reportedly used bunker buster bombs in the attack, leaving deep craters.
In response to the escalating violence, the US is considering speeding up weapons shipments to Israel, including 2000-pound bombs. The White House did not immediately respond to the request for comment. Meanwhile, the head of the World Health Organization called for urgent facilitation of flights to deliver medical supplies to Lebanon, where the health system is deteriorating due to ongoing airstrikes.
The situation in the region remains tense, with G7 leaders expressing deep concern over the deteriorating situation and Iran warning of retaliation if any country aids Israel in its attacks. The death toll continues to rise, with Lebanese authorities reporting 37 people killed in the past 24 hours in Israeli strikes. The violence has also spread to the West Bank, where Israeli airstrikes killed 18 people in a cafe, sparking condemnation from the Palestinian presidency.
The conflict shows no signs of abating, with ongoing airstrikes, evacuations, and clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters. The civilian population continues to bear the brunt of the violence, with schools and medical facilities being targeted. The international community is calling for restraint and a peaceful resolution to the escalating violence.
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