A senior Hezbollah commander, Mohammad Nimah Nasser, also known as Hajj Abu Naameh, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon on Wednesday. In retaliation, Hezbollah launched over 100 rockets and missiles targeting Israeli military positions.
The Israeli military confirmed the strike, describing Nasser as the head of Hezbollah’s Aziz Unit, responsible for directing numerous attacks from southwestern Lebanon. Nasser’s death follows the killing of other high-ranking Hezbollah officials, including Taleb Sami Abdullah in June, and Wissam al-Tawil in January.
In response to the heightened tensions, diplomatic efforts have intensified. US and European mediators have been working to prevent a full-scale conflict. French President Emmanuel Macron and US Envoy Amos Hochstein have been in discussions to de-escalate the situation.
Hezbollah’s deputy leader, Naim Qassem, reiterated that the group would halt its attacks if a full ceasefire is achieved in Gaza. However, he warned that Hezbollah’s response to Israeli aggression would not be limited by any pre-set rules or engagement ceilings.
The ongoing violence has resulted in significant casualties and displacement on both sides. In Lebanon, over 400 people, predominantly Hezbollah fighters, have been killed, while 25 Israelis, mainly soldiers, have also lost their lives.
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