Hezbollah has confirmed the assassination of its Secretary-General, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, following a series of Israeli airstrikes that targeted residential areas in southern Beirut, Lebanon, on Friday.
In a statement released on Saturday, the group hailed Nasrallah as a “martyr” and vowed to continue its resistance against Israel.
“His Eminence, the Master of Resistance, the righteous servant, has joined his Lord and His pleasure as a great martyr — an outstanding, courageous, wise, and insightful leader,” the statement read. Hezbollah pledged to carry on the fight in support of Gaza, Palestine, and the defence of Lebanon and its people.
The airstrikes, which targeted areas including Burj al-Barajneh, Kafaat, Choueifat, Hadath, al-Laylaki, and Mreijeh, resulted in the destruction of residential buildings and a rising casualty toll, with local media reporting over 300 dead. Footage aired by Hezbollah’s al-Manar television channel showed scenes of devastation in Beirut’s Dahiyeh district, with flattened buildings and smoke billowing from the rubble-strewn streets.
Lebanon’s death toll from the ongoing Israeli assault, which has escalated in recent days, has now surpassed 700 since Monday. Martyrs’ Square in central Beirut has become a shelter for families displaced by the attacks.
The Israeli airstrikes follow an earlier incident in which 38 people were killed, including senior Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Aqil, during an attack on a residential building in southern Beirut.
On Saturday, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei condemned Israel’s actions, labeling them the work of a “rabid Zionist dog.” He urged Muslims worldwide to stand in solidarity with Hezbollah and Lebanon.
“The Zionist criminals need to know they are too weak to cause significant harm to Hezbollah,” Khamenei said. “The Lebanese remember how Hezbollah once halted the advance of Israeli soldiers, making Lebanon proud. Today, Lebanon will again make the enemy regret its actions.”
