Death toll from Israeli air strike in Beirut rises to five
Lebanon’s Health Ministry has announced that five civilians have been killed in an attack that targeted one of Hezbollah’s top commanders.
What we understand from sources is that his body has been found, but an official announcement has yet to be made. The Lebanese armed forces confirmed this morning that he was in the building that was targeted late yesterday.
Hezbollah has not said how it will respond, but we might see a coordinated response from Iran and its regional allies following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh this morning in Tehran.
Hezbollah confirms death of commander targeted by Israel in Beirut
In an official statement on its Telegram channel, the Lebanese political party and paramilitary group has confirmed the death of Fuad Shukr, a senior military figure in its organisation.
Shukr was targeted by Israel yesterday in an air strike on Beirut’s Haret Hreik neighbourhood, which killed at least five people and injured dozens.
Israel blames Shukr for an attack on the occupied Golan Heights over the weekend that killed 12 children and teenagers, and said his targeting was in response to this attack.
Hezbollah leader Nasrallah to give address on Thursday
Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) is reporting that Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah will give an address on Thursday, on the occasion of the funeral of group leader Fuad Shukr in Beirut.
Hezbollah earlier confirmed the death of Shukr in an air strike yesterday on the Haret Hreik neighbourhood, which killed at least five people and injured dozens.
US: ‘Do not travel’ to Lebanon
The United States is urging its citizens not to travel to Lebanon, citing rising tensions between Israel and the Lebanon-based Hezbollah group. The US State Department raised its travel advisory to Lebanon to level four, which says “Do Not Travel.”
Germany calls for restraint, asks citizens to leave Lebanon
The German foreign ministry has called for restraint, urging all parties and “especially Iran” to “de-escalate for the sake of the people in the region.” “In this tense situation, any decision can either ease tensions or escalate the conflict,” it said in a statement on X.
While condemning the attacks perpetrated by Lebanon’s Hezbollah and the “terrorist organisation Hamas,” which “carries out countless cruel attacks on Israel”, it made no mention of Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza or negotiations for a ceasefire.
The office also said that “given the circumstances” it was once again appealing to all of its citizens to leave Lebanon “while it is still possible”.
