Israel kills Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in air strike on Beirut

Hezbollah confirms Nasrallah’s death as Israel says it hit the group’s leaders at their headquarters in south Beirut.

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has been killed in an Israeli airstrike on Beirut, dealing a substantial blow to the group amid intensifying Israeli attacks. Israeli military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani confirmed the news on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, declaring, "Hassan Nasrallah is dead." This comes as part of Israel’s broader campaign to dismantle Hezbollah's leadership and infrastructure in Lebanon.

Hezbollah has confirmed the death of its long-time leader Hassan Nasrallah following an Israeli airstrike on their headquarters in southern Beirut. The targeted strike, part of an ongoing Israeli military campaign, resulted in the destruction of the facility and the deaths of several other senior Hezbollah commanders. The strike was a precise operation aimed at Nasrallah and his top brass while they were coordinating activities against Israel.

Nasrallah’s death marks a significant blow to Hezbollah, as he was a key figure in transforming the group into a powerful regional force over his 32-year leadership. While Hezbollah has vowed to continue its fight, Israel has stated that this operation is just one part of its broader strategy against Hezbollah and other threats.

The situation remains tense, with potential for further escalation as Hezbollah and its Iranian allies consider their response to this major loss【6†source】【7†source】.

The statement confirmed Nasrallah was killed with other group members “following the treacherous Zionist strike on the southern suburbs” of Beirut.

Hassan Nasrallah, who led Hezbollah for over 32 years, was a towering figure in Middle Eastern politics, both revered and reviled. To his supporters, particularly among Lebanon's Shia community, he was a symbol of resistance, celebrated for standing up to Israel and opposing U.S. influence in the region. As the leader of the Iran-backed group, Nasrallah transformed Hezbollah into a powerful political and military force.

However, his enemies viewed him as the head of a terrorist organization, closely aligned with Iran in its pursuit of dominance in the Middle East. Al Jazeera’s Stefanie Dekker highlighted his pivotal role, stating, “Hassan Nasrallah is a larger-than-life figure when it comes to the politics in the Middle East. He is the figurehead, Iran’s linchpin, if you will. He really created Hezbollah into the organized fighting, disciplined force that it is today.”

His death represents a critical moment for both Hezbollah and the broader region【6†source】【7†source】.