Hezbollah has confirmed the death of its leader, Hasan Nasrallah, following a significant strike by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) that targeted what they described as Hezbollah’s “central headquarters” in the southern suburbs of Beirut. The attack resulted in the destruction of several residential buildings. In a statement, Hezbollah announced that Nasrallah had “joined his great and immortal martyred companions,” acknowledging his leadership role over the past 30 years.
In a post on social media, the IDF stated, “Hasan Nasrallah will no longer be able to terrorize the world.” This was not the first time Nasrallah had been targeted; sources indicated he had been on Israel’s radar prior to the attack.
Mourning in Iraq
In response to Nasrallah’s death, Iraq’s Prime Minister’s office declared three days of mourning. The statement condemned Israel’s “aggression” and praised Nasrallah for dedicating his life to resisting “the oppressive occupation.” Iraq characterized Israel’s actions in Lebanon as a reckless escalation of conflict and called on the United Nations and other international bodies to intervene.
Hamas Offers Condolences
Hamas expressed its condolences, describing Nasrallah as “martyred along with a group of his fellow leaders.” The group condemned Israel, asserting that it bore “full responsibility for this ugly crime,” alongside the United States. They lauded Nasrallah for his sacrifices for the Palestinian cause and highlighted his legacy of “brave resistance.”
IDF Confirms Additional Casualties
The IDF also reported the death of Ali Karki, a Hezbollah commander known for overseeing operations along the southern border with Israel. Karki had been involved in numerous attacks, leading to significant casualties among Israeli civilians and soldiers. His death, along with Nasrallah’s, marks a critical blow to Hezbollah, which has already lost several key commanders in recent strikes.
Legacy of Hasan Nasrallah
Hasan Nasrallah, a Shiite cleric, was a polarizing figure in the Middle East. He led Hezbollah since the early 1990s, transforming it from a guerrilla movement focused on expelling Israeli forces from Lebanon into a formidable paramilitary organization. Over his tenure, he expanded Hezbollah’s influence beyond Lebanon, engaging in military operations in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen.
Conclusion
Nasrallah’s death is likely to have far-reaching implications for Hezbollah and the broader regional landscape. As tensions rise, the focus will shift to the potential power struggles within the organisation and how other regional actors may respond to this significant loss.
