Attempted Assassination of Hezbollah Commander in Central Beirut

On Thursday, a significant Israeli airstrike targeted central Beirut in an attempt to assassinate Wafiq Safa, a senior Hezbollah member in charge of internal security issues. This information was reported by officials on Israeli Army Radio.

Targeting Central Beirut

The raids targeted the Ras al Nabaa area in central Beirut. Israeli jets have been bombarding Hezbollah strongholds in south Beirut, a densely populated area with civilian families, for almost two weeks. However, airstrikes targeting the center of the capital have been less frequent. Israel aimed to assassinate Hezbollah's Safa by attacking and demolishing a residential area consisting of apartment buildings and small shops. After emergency and rescue crews worked overnight, Lebanese authorities reported that 22 people were killed. This is the deadliest attack on the capital since the hostilities began.

Lebanese Casualties

According to The Guardian, the casualties in central Beirut on Thursday night increased rapidly; the Lebanese health ministry reported 22 people killed and 117 wounded. Among the dead was a family of eight, including three children, who had evacuated from the south, a security source reported. Israeli and international media reports confirmed that Wafiq Safa survived the attack. One report suggested that he was seriously injured and in critical condition following the strikes. Lebanese sources also confirmed to American media that he survived.

Lebanon’s Caretaker PM Condemns Attacks

Lebanon’s caretaker PM Mikati condemned the Israeli attacks and demanded an "immediate" ceasefire with Israel. He reported that 139 people were killed in total in all Israeli strikes on Lebanon on Thursday. "All of them were civilians. This is no longer acceptable. Where is the humanity? What reality are we living in?" he questioned. Despite the call for a ceasefire, the Lebanese government has no control over Hezbollah. The Shia paramilitary group, supported by Iran, is far better armed than the Lebanese Army. US-led sanctions have long limited what Lebanese national forces can receive, and Lebanon has no air force to speak of.

Hezbollah Retaliates

Hezbollah claims to have retaliated for recent attacks by launching drones on an Israeli military base in Kiryat Eliezer in Haifa. It also reported that rockets targeted groups of soldiers in the Zovolon area, north of Haifa, and in the settlement of Kafrsold. An IDF barracks in northern Israel was also shelled, according to Al Jazeera. On Thursday, Israel announced that three army reservists had died during operations against Hezbollah on the northern front. This marks the first significant reserve casualties since the fresh ground offensive launched this month.

Recent Developments

Qatar-based Al Jazeera reported the following developments on Friday: - Gaza’s Health Ministry reported 61 Palestinians were killed and 231 wounded in the latest 24-hour reporting period. - Israeli forces fired at a watchtower used by UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, injuring two people. - Chaos ensued in Beirut after Israel struck the city center, destroying two residential buildings, killing at least 22 people, and wounding 117. - Israeli attacks continue in Gaza, with a number of people, including an infant, killed in Jabalia and Deir el-Balah. - The UN peacekeeping chief told the Security Council that the safety and security of peacekeepers in Lebanon is “increasingly in jeopardy” as Israeli forces open fire on UNIFIL posts in the country’s south. - In Gaza, at least 42,126 people have been killed and 98,117 wounded in Israeli attacks since October 2023, according to Gaza's health ministry. In Israel, at least 1,139 people were killed on October 7, 2023, and more than 200 people were taken captive.

Bottom Line

The escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah continues to cause significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction. The international community is increasingly concerned about the safety and security of peacekeepers in Lebanon. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether an immediate ceasefire can be achieved. What are your thoughts on this escalating conflict? Share this article with your friends and discuss. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.