Hezbollah’s Hashem Safieddine, a top official expected to succeed Hassan Nasrallah, was killed in an Israeli airstrike, the group confirmed. Safieddine was running Hezbollah alongside Naim Qassem and was poised to be formally elected as the next secretary general. His death comes amid Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah strongholds as the conflict escalates in Lebanon. Hezbollah retaliated with a rocket salvo at an Israeli army base in Haifa.
Meanwhile, international forces may be deployed to Lebanon alongside the country’s army in case of a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, according to a western diplomat. The situation in Lebanon remains dire, with over 2,000 killed and 1.2 million displaced by Israeli airstrikes, leading to widespread humanitarian concerns.
In Gaza, Palestinians continue to suffer from the ongoing conflict, with the Palestinian Authority reporting that Israeli actions are preventing children from receiving their polio vaccine. US secretary of state Antony Blinken has emphasized the need for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict in the region.
In a controversial statement, Israel’s defense minister urged pilots to be prepared for strikes in Iran, hinting at potential retaliation for Iranian attacks on Israel. This comes as Israel and the US issue warnings over possible terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka, urging caution for Israelis in certain tourist areas.
Overall, the situation in the region remains volatile, with ongoing conflicts and tensions showing no signs of abating. International intervention and diplomatic efforts are crucial to address the humanitarian crisis and prevent further escalation of violence.
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