In this file photo, taken on December 6, 2011, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah speaks to the crowd in a rare public appearance during a rally to mark the Muslim holy day of Ashoura, in Beirut’s southern suburbs. (AP/File)
Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah was killed following an Israeli attack on Beirut's southern suburb on Saturday evening, the organization has announced, reports Arab News.
Nasrallah, 64, led Hezbollah for nearly 30 years.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps said Abbas Nilforushan, deputy commander for its operations and for that of the Quds Force in Lebanon, also died in the strike.
Supporters of Hezbollah took to the streets where they had been displaced, expressing their deep sorrow over the killing. Heavy gunfire erupted in various neighborhoods and black flags were raised.
The Lebanese army took to the streets to prevent clashes between Nasrallah's supporters and opponents, although several confrontations took place.
A statement from Hezbollah praised Nasrallah's "leadership, wisdom, and support for Palestine," emphasizing that the party would "continue its struggle in confronting the enemy, in support of Gaza and Palestine, and in defense of Lebanon and its steadfast and honorable people."
Nasrallah's supporters posted on social media calling for "unity to overcome this phase, even though the news was hard to believe." Some speculated that Nasrallah's death could be a turning point, even though the future was uncertain.
On Saturday, the Israeli military continued its pursuit of Hezbollah members and their supporters through intensive airstrikes and drone attacks.
In Lebanon, 11 people died and 19 others — including doctors, nurses and paramedics — were injured in offensives targeting civil defense centers and Islamic Health Organization clinics in Taybeh and Deir Siriane.
Those who fled their homes on Friday night following Israeli threats endured a tumultuous night filled with relentless shelling and assaults that persisted into the early morning.
The shocks continued with confirmation of Nasrallah's death from the Israeli army, who used F15 warplanes in the attack. Some 85 bombs, each weighing one tonne, were deployed.
The Israeli army said the raids targeted "Hezbollah's southern front commander Ali Karaki and several other leaders."
Daylight revealed the scale of the devastation inflicted upon residential buildings, many of which were reduced to rubble.
Hezbollah, meanwhile, continued its military assaults on the Israeli side.
Media correspondents observed an uneasy calm along the front when Hezbollah announced Nasrallah's death.
According to Israeli Channel 12: "Sixteen rockets were launched from Lebanon targeting the Galilee region. One of these rockets landed in Nazareth Illit, located in the city of Acre."
IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari said: "We are on high alert around the clock. Difficult days are ahead of us, and this will take some time."
He said: "Nasrallah, along with other leaders and the group's command center, were legitimate military targets under international law. Nasrallah was one of Israel's fiercest enemies, and Israel is not seeking broader escalation but aims to recover hostages and ensure our borders are secure."
