Israel-Hezbollah conflict escalates after Nasrallah’s assassination

The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has entered a new and uncertain phase following the death of Hezbollah’s leader, Syed Hassan Nasrallah. The Israeli military confirmed Nasrallah was killed in an airstrike in Beirut, targeting the group’s underground headquarters.

Nasrallah’s death is seen as a devastating blow to Hezbollah and a major setback for Iran, which has long considered the group a key ally in the region. Hezbollah confirmed Nasrallah's death but did not disclose details of the attack, vowing to continue its battle against Israel in support of Gaza, Palestine, and Lebanon.

Israeli military officials said Nasrallah’s death was the most significant loss for Hezbollah in recent weeks, following a series of Israeli airstrikes that have killed several commanders and disrupted the group’s operations. The strikes have heightened tensions across Lebanon, where intense bombing has led to civilian casualties and further damage to Beirut.

Lebanon's Health Minister reported 11 deaths and over 100 injuries as a result of recent Israeli airstrikes. Hezbollah retaliated with cross-border rocket fire, but Israeli defenses intercepted the majority of the attacks.

Nasrallah’s assassination has also raised fears of broader regional escalation, potentially drawing in Iran and the U.S. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called on Muslim nations to stand by Hezbollah, denouncing Israeli attacks on Lebanon, while Israeli officials insisted that Nasrallah’s death makes the region safer.

The situation remains volatile, with new security measures introduced in Israel, including restrictions on public gatherings in central cities such as Tel Aviv. Both sides continue to prepare for potential further confrontations as regional powers assess the next steps.