Israeli media reports suggest that the recent airstrikes in Dahiyeh, Beirut, targeted Hachem Safieddine, the presumed next leader of Hezbollah. Experts had identified Safieddine as the likely successor to the late-secretary general Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in a previous Israeli airstrike. The airstrike on Friday night left craters dozens of meters deep and resulted in large plumes of red smoke.
The Israeli military has intensified its attacks in the region, targeting Hezbollah leadership. The assassination of Nasrallah and other senior Hezbollah figures in recent weeks and months indicate a long-standing policy of assassinating enemies, often leading to civilian casualties. Other targeted individuals include Ibrahim Aqil, Fuad Shukrun, Nabil Qaouk, Ali Karaki, and Ibrahim Jazini, who held significant positions within the organization.
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has raised concerns globally, with US President Joe Biden expressing his confidence that an all-out war can be avoided. The situation remains tense as Israel continues its airstrikes, resulting in dozens of casualties and displacement of residents. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is set to deliver a rare public sermon, potentially shedding light on Iran’s plans in response to Israeli aggression.
The attacks on Beirut’s southern suburbs and other areas have raised alarms, with tens of thousands of Lebanese fleeing to Syria seeking safety. The unrelenting airstrikes have demonstrated the regional instability and the potential for further escalations in violence. Efforts to de-escalate the conflict and ensure the protection of civilians remain a top priority for international leaders.
Source
Photo credit www.theguardian.com