An Israeli airstrike on Sunday targeted a building in central Beirut, killing Hezbollah media relations chief, Mohammad Afif, according to two Lebanese security sources. Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran, has yet to confirm the death of Afif.
The strike on Afif is notable as Israeli forces rarely target senior Hezbollah officials who do not hold direct military roles. Historically, Israeli airstrikes have been concentrated on Hezbollah strongholds in southern Beirut rather than on media figures in the city center.
Second Airstrike Targets Vehicle in Central Beirut
Later on Sunday, a separate Israeli airstrike struck a vehicle on Mar Elias Street in central Beirut, as reported by Hezbollah’s Al-Manar TV. The Lebanese Health Ministry confirmed at least two fatalities from this attack, further escalating tensions in the capital.
Israeli Military Declines killing Hezbollah Media Chief
The military of Israel declined to comment on the airstrike that killed Afif when contacted by Reuters. Additionally, an Israeli Defense Forces spokesperson did not issue an evacuation warning via the social media platform X prior to the attack.
Bombing of Health Center Kills Six Paramedics
In another escalation, Israeli jets reportedly bombed the Islamic Health Authority center in the village of Arab Salim, located in the Nabatieh governorate. The bombing resulted in the deaths of six paramedics, according to the National News Agency and Al Jazeera. The victims were identified as Mustafa Hanawi, Hassan Aboud, Muhammad Hanawi, Ahmed Abbas Aboud, Ahmed Mahmoud Aboud, and Abbas Aboud.
UN calls for Peace despite Hezbollah media chief killing
On the diplomatic front, UN Secretary-General António Guterres renewed calls for peace in the Middle East while addressing reporters in Rio de Janeiro ahead of the G20 summit. “We cannot have double standards,” Guterres said. “We must apply the UN Charter and international humanitarian law universally. We need peace—peace that guarantees the rights of both the Palestinian and Israeli people to have their own states and live in security.”
The ongoing violence between Israeli forces and Hezbollah has fueled growing concerns about the region’s stability and the prospects for a lasting peace agreement.
