Israeli airstrikes shook Beirut early Saturday in the most intense bombing of the city during the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah, which has been waged alongside the Gaza conflict for nearly a year. The Israeli military claimed responsibility for the killing of Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, during a strike on the group’s headquarters.
“The strike was conducted while Hezbollah’s senior chain of command were operating from the headquarters and advancing terrorist activities against the citizens of the State of Israel,” said Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee in a statement on X (formerly Twitter). “Hassan Nasrallah will no longer be able to terrorise the world,” the military added.
This follows an earlier report from a source close to Hezbollah, stating that Nasrallah was unreachable on Friday.
Israeli forces also reported the elimination of several senior Hezbollah figures, including Muhammad Ali Ismail, commander of Hezbollah’s missile unit, and his deputy, Hossein Ahmed Ismail, during the strikes.
Escalation in Beirut and Surrounding Areas
The strikes were part of a five-hour-long bombardment targeting Hezbollah-controlled areas in southern Beirut, specifically the Dahiyeh district. Eyewitnesses and Reuters journalists reported hearing over 20 airstrikes before dawn, followed by more after sunrise. Smoke billowed from the southern suburbs as thousands of residents fled the area, gathering in downtown squares and seaside promenades, seeking refuge from the bombardment.
“They want to destroy Dahiyeh, they want to destroy all of us,” said Sari, a man who had fled after receiving an Israeli evacuation order.
In Beirut’s Martyrs’ Square, newly displaced families rolled out mats, trying to sleep in the open air. Many gathered along the city’s seaside corniche as Israeli missiles continued to pound the city.
Widening Conflict in Lebanon
Beyond Beirut, the Israeli military has expanded its strikes across Lebanon. On Saturday, they targeted Hezbollah positions in the Bekaa Valley, close to the Syrian border. An airstrike also hit the mountain town of Bhamdoun, southeast of Beirut, according to local lawmaker Mark Daou. Although the strike left a large crater, no casualties were reported, as the bomb hit an empty lot.
Tensions continue to rise, with reports of missile fire from Lebanon into central Israel, some of which were intercepted by Israeli defense systems. Amid the escalating violence, fears are growing that the conflict could engulf more regions of Lebanon, driving further displacement and destruction.
