Israeli Airstrike in Beirut Kills Senior Hezbollah Commanders, Death Toll Reaches 31

An Israeli airstrike on a Beirut suburb has killed 31 people, including senior Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Aqil. The attack is part of escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah, with 68 people injured in total.

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The death toll from an Israeli airstrike on a suburb in Beirut has risen to 31, according to Lebanon's health minister. The airstrike killed a top Hezbollah commander, Ibrahim Aqil, along with other senior members of the militant group.

Health Minister Firass Abiad announced that 68 people were also injured in the attack. Among them, 15 remain in the hospital. 

The casualties include members of Hezbollah who were meeting in the basement of a building destroyed during the strike. Aqil was a key leader in Hezbollah, responsible for its elite Radwan Forces.

[Hezbollah confirmed the death of Ibrahim Aqil, describing him as "one of its top leaders." (AAP Photos)]

Hezbollah confirmed that 16 of its members were killed in the airstrike. One of the other senior leaders killed was Ahmed Wahbi, another high-ranking commander within the group. 

Seven women and three children also lost their lives in what is now the deadliest Israeli airstrike on Beirut since the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah.

Hezbollah Members Among the Dead

Aqil, a top Hezbollah military commander, was among those killed. He had been part of Hezbollah’s military council, a powerful position within the organization. He was in the basement of the targeted building, where Hezbollah members had gathered for a meeting.

Ibrahim Aqil had been a significant figure in Hezbollah’s military operations. He was involved in planning raids against northern Israel. 

His leadership role in Hezbollah began in 2004, and he was deeply connected to the group's military actions. The U.S. had placed a $7 million bounty on Aqil's head for his involvement in the 1983 bombing of U.S. Marines in Lebanon.

In addition to Hezbollah members, three Syrian nationals were also among the dead, as confirmed by Lebanon's health minister.

Israeli Response and Goals

Following the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a brief statement. He said that Israel's actions speak for themselves and that the goals are clear. While he didn’t provide specific details, it is clear that Israel is continuing its offensive against Hezbollah.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant also commented on the attack. He said that Israel is entering a new phase of war on its northern border. 

Gallant posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), promising that Israel will continue its operations against Hezbollah until the mission is achieved. He mentioned that the goal is to ensure the safe return of Israeli citizens living near the northern border.

Thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border since the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah began. 

The conflict started after Hezbollah began firing rockets at Israel, expressing support for Palestinians during the ongoing war in Gaza.

[The missile attack occurred in a densely populated area of Beirut's southern suburbs. (AP PHOTO)]

Another Blow to Hezbollah

The airstrike in Beirut marks another serious blow to Hezbollah. This comes just two days after other attacks targeted the group, leading to the deaths of 39 people. In those attacks, devices like pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah members exploded, adding to the casualties.

The UN's special co-ordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine-Hennis Plasschaert, voiced concerns about the escalating violence. 

She described the situation as an extremely dangerous cycle that could have devastating consequences. Plasschaert called for an immediate end to the violence.

The Beirut strike also marks the second time in two months that Israel has targeted a senior Hezbollah commander in the Lebanese capital. In July, an Israeli airstrike killed Fuad Shukr, Hezbollah's top military commander.

Hezbollah’s Role in the Conflict

Hezbollah, based in Lebanon, has been in conflict with Israel for many years. The last major war between the two happened in 2006. Recent violence has brought back tensions that have been building for a long time.

Israel has made it clear that it will take action to protect its people. The current conflict between Israel and Hezbollah is tied to the ongoing war in Gaza, where Israel is fighting against Hamas.

Hezbollah has been firing rockets at Israel to show support for Palestinians in Gaza. In response, Israel has carried out several military strikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. Thursday night's attack was one of the heaviest airstrikes Israel has launched in southern Lebanon since the fighting intensified.