An Israeli strike in central Beirut killed Hezbollah spokesperson Mohammed Afif al-Naboulsi on Sunday. Hezbollah confirmed his death, saying the strike targeted the Arab Socialist Baath Party’s office in the Lebanese capital.
A second strike in the same area hit a computer shop, killing two people and injuring 22, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. Earlier, Israeli bombs struck Beirut’s southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold, following evacuation warnings.
The strike that killed Afif, however, was not preceded by an evacuation warning. Afif had gained prominence since the war broke out between Israel and Hezbollah in September.
In another strike, four people were killed, and 14, including two children, were injured in central Beirut. Witness Suheil Halabi described hearing the blast, followed by screams and gunfire.
These developments coincided with ongoing discussions in Lebanon about a US-led ceasefire proposal. Lebanese parliament member Faisal Al Sayegh condemned the Israeli actions, saying they showed Israel’s intent to negotiate under fire while expanding its attacks on safer areas.
In Gaza, an Israeli strike in Beit Lahiya resulted in at least 30 deaths, according to Kamal Adwan hospital director Hosam Abu Safiya, who reported additional injuries and possible entrapments. The Israeli military confirmed strikes on “terrorist targets” in Beit Lahiya, while evacuation efforts from the “active war zone” were underway.
Further Israeli strikes in Gaza caused additional casualties, and two Israeli soldiers were killed in northern Gaza.
The conflict, ignited by Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel, has resulted in thousands of deaths and widespread displacement.
