What's happened
On September 27, 2024, Israeli airstrikes killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut, escalating tensions in Lebanon and raising fears of a regional conflict. The strikes resulted in significant casualties, with over 700 reported dead in Lebanon amid ongoing violence between Israel and Hezbollah.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Al Jazeera, the Israeli military confirmed the airstrike that killed Nasrallah, stating it was a precise operation targeting Hezbollah leadership. The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health reported significant casualties, with over 700 dead in recent violence. The New York Times highlighted concerns over Israel's strategy, noting that some officials fear the escalation could lead to all-out war. Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that Lebanon is 'at the brink' of a larger conflict, emphasizing the urgent need for international intervention.
How we got here
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has intensified following Israel's military operations in Gaza. Recent escalations included targeted airstrikes against Hezbollah leaders and increased rocket fire from both sides, leading to a humanitarian crisis in Lebanon.
More on these topics
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Hezbollah is a Shia Islamist political party and militant group based in Lebanon. Hezbollah's paramilitary wing is the Jihad Council, and its political wing is the Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc party in the Lebanese parliament.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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Hassan Nasrallah is the third and current Secretary General of the Lebanese political and paramilitary party Hezbollah since his predecessor, Abbas al-Musawi, was assassinated by the Israel Defense Forces in February 1992.