The Israeli military announced on Tuesday that it had conducted a strike in Beirut, resulting in the death of a senior Hezbollah commander, Suhail Husseini. The military stated that Husseini was responsible for overseeing logistics, budget, and management within the militant group. According to the Israeli military, Husseini played a key role in the transfer of advanced weapons from Iran to various Hezbollah units and was a member of the group's military council. There has been no immediate response from Hezbollah regarding the incident.
Escalating Tensions in the Region
The strike in Beirut comes amidst escalating tensions in the region, with Palestinian militants in Gaza firing rockets into Israel on Monday. This action highlighted the militants' resilience following a devastating Israeli offensive in Gaza that resulted in significant casualties and displacement of the population. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, as well as Hezbollah in Lebanon, has led to continued violence and casualties on both sides.
UN Calls for Negotiated Solution
UN officials in Lebanon have called for a negotiated solution to restore stability in the region. The UN special coordinator for Lebanon and the head of the peacekeeping force along the border emphasized the need for immediate action to address the escalating violence. The officials highlighted the humanitarian impact of the conflict, with over a million people displaced in Lebanon and significant casualties reported.
Turkey Sends Navy for Evacuation
Meanwhile, Turkey has deployed navy ships to evacuate its citizens from Lebanon due to the rising tensions. The ships, capable of accommodating up to 2,000 passengers, are set to depart for Lebanon to facilitate the evacuation process. Additionally, the ships will carry humanitarian aid for Lebanon as part of the relief efforts.
Death Toll Rises in Gaza
In Gaza, the death toll from Israeli strikes has risen to at least 27, including women and children. The strikes targeted central Gaza, resulting in significant casualties and destruction. The anniversary of past conflicts has further fueled the violence in the region, with continued airstrikes and missile attacks reported.
Overall, the situation in the Middle East remains volatile, with ongoing military operations and humanitarian concerns affecting civilian populations. Efforts towards a negotiated solution and international intervention are crucial to address the root causes of the conflict and restore stability in the region.