Hezbollah confirmed on Saturday that its leader and co-founder, Hassan Nasrallah, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut the day before.
In a statement, Hezbollah noted that Nasrallah “has joined his fellow martyrs” and pledged to “continue the holy war against the enemy and in support of Palestine.”
Nasrallah, who has led Hezbollah for over three decades, is considered the most significant target Israel has sought to eliminate during recent weeks of intensified clashes with the militant group.
On Friday, the Israeli military conducted a precise airstrike while Hezbollah leaders were convening at their headquarters in Dahiyeh, located south of Beirut.
According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, the strikes resulted in six fatalities and left 91 individuals injured, destroying six apartment buildings in the vicinity. The Israeli military also confirmed the deaths of Ali Karki, the commander of Hezbollah’s Southern Front, along with other commanders in the operation.
Meanwhile, following reports of Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah’s death in an Israeli airstrike, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, called on Muslims to support Lebanon and Hezbollah. Khamenei emphasised the need for solidarity among Muslims in the wake of these developments.
Khamenei’s call for solidarity came after Israel’s military confirmed Nasrallah’s death, noting that his passing could alter Hezbollah’s future activities. In a statement released through Iranian state media, Khamenei urged Muslims “to stand by the people of Lebanon and the proud Hezbollah with whatever means they have and assist them in confronting the wicked regime [of Israel].”
He also asserted that “the fate of this region will be determined by the forces of resistance, with Hezbollah at the forefront.”
Israel remains on heightened alert, anticipating potential wider conflict following Nasrallah’s reported death. Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani stated that Nasrallah’s death “may influence Hezbollah’s actions,” while acknowledging it could take time to significantly reduce the group’s capabilities.
The Israeli military highlighted that Hezbollah, with support from Iran, has been attacking Israel for the past year, along with other Iranian-backed groups like Hamas.
In light of these developments, Khamenei has reportedly been moved to a secure location in Iran under heightened security. Tehran continues to coordinate with Hezbollah and other regional allies as tensions escalate following the reported assassination.