Hezbollah Spokesperson Killed in Israeli Strike Amid Ceasefire Negotiations

 Hezbollah Spokesperson Killed in Israeli Strike Amid Ceasefire Negotiations

Hezbollah Spokesperson Killed in Beirut Airstrike Amid Intensifying Conflicts

Mohammed Afif, a prominent spokesperson for the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah and its media relations head since 2014, was killed on Sunday in an Israeli airstrike on Beirut. Afif, a close adviser to the late Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, was struck while at the headquarters of the pro-Hezbollah Baath Party in the Ras al-Nebaa area, as confirmed by Al-Manar TV, a Hezbollah-owned network.

The strike, which took place midday without any prior evacuation warnings, reflects heightened tensions in the region. Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) declined to comment on the operation. Meanwhile, Hamas, another militant group, expressed condolences, describing Afif as a resilient voice for resistance.

Continued Airstrikes in Beirut

Later that day, another airstrike targeted the Sunni-majority Mar Elias neighborhood, killing two people, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. This marks one of only five strikes within Beirut's city limits since the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah. The IDF has been expanding its air campaign in Beirut, with particular focus on Hezbollah strongholds in the southern suburbs, such as Haret Hreik.

Escalation in Gaza: Civilian Casualties Mount

In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes on Beit Lahiya killed at least 50 people on Sunday morning, many of whom were displaced civilians from Jabalya. Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of chaos as families dug through rubble to recover bodies, with emergency services unable to operate due to ongoing bombardments. Video footage captured distressing moments, including injured toddlers and panicked residents.

The IDF stated that the strikes were directed at "terrorist targets" but emphasized ongoing efforts to evacuate civilians. Additional strikes in central Gaza’s al-Bureij area resulted in 23 deaths, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Israel’s renewed offensive on Jabalya, initiated last month to dismantle Hamas’s infrastructure, has displaced thousands and caused significant casualties.

Regional Conflict Extends into Lebanon

Israeli forces made a rare deep incursion into southern Lebanon, reaching the village of Chama before withdrawing after clashes with Hezbollah fighters. Airstrikes in Beirut entered their sixth consecutive day on Sunday, targeting Hezbollah-linked military positions in the southern outskirts of the city.

Diplomatic Efforts Continue Amid Violence

Despite the escalation, diplomatic channels remain open. A U.S.-Israeli ceasefire proposal, currently under review by Hezbollah, seeks to prevent further expansion of the conflict. However, it remains unclear how Afif's death might affect these negotiations.

Broader Context of Israel's Military Campaign

Israel’s ongoing operations in Gaza and Lebanon aim to dismantle militant infrastructure while facing significant military losses, including 20 soldiers killed in northern Gaza since October. The IDF has vowed to continue its offensive until strategic objectives are met.

As violence surges on multiple fronts, the region faces profound challenges, with civilians bearing the brunt of the conflict's devastating toll.