Hezbollah Confirms Leader Hassan Nasrallah Killed in Israeli Airstrike, Vows Retaliation

Beirut: Hezbollah has confirmed the death of its long-time leader, Hassan Nasrallah, following an Israeli airstrike on the group’s headquarters in Beirut.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) launched the operation, dubbed ‘Operation New Order,’ targeting a meeting of the group’s leadership. Israel had earlier claimed responsibility for the strike, stating that the 64-year-old Nasrallah had been killed.

In a statement, the Iran-backed Hezbollah described Nasrallah as having “joined his fellow martyrs,” as its Al-Manar TV broadcast Quranic verses in mourning.

The New York Times reported that Hezbollah identified Nasrallah’s body along with that of another senior commander, Ali Karaki, on Saturday.

Nasrallah’s death is seen as a massive setback for Hezbollah, which has been engaged in conflict with Israel since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack. Despite the loss, Hezbollah vowed to continue its fight against Israel, pledging support for Gaza, Palestine and Lebanon.

Nasrallah had led Hezbollah for over 30 years, playing a crucial role in shaping the group’s political and militant influence in the region. Israel hopes his death will weaken the group’s leadership and diminish its threat to Israeli borders.

The airstrike reportedly also killed Nasrallah’s daughter Zainab, Hezbollah’s Southern Front commander Ali Karki and Iran’s Revolutionary Guards deputy commander Abbas Nilforoushan.

The Lebanese Health Ministry confirmed that six people were killed and over 90 injured, as the strike levelled six apartments and shook buildings up to 30 kilometres away.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urged Muslims worldwide to support Hezbollah, calling it a key player in the region’s resistance against Israel.