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The escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah took a significant turn when Ibrahim Qubaisi, Hezbollah's commander in charge of its rocket and missile forces, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in the Dahiyeh suburb of Beirut. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed Qubaisi's death on Tuesday evening, identifying him as a central figure in Hezbollah's missile strategy for decades.
Qubaisi's death marks a new phase in the escalating violence, following a week of cross-border clashes. The latest airstrike has been described as one of the deadliest since the 2006 conflict between the two sides, with Lebanon enduring extensive Israeli airstrikes. In retaliation, Hezbollah has launched hundreds of rockets into northern Israel, targeting cities like Haifa, Safed, and Nazareth.
The ongoing violence has resulted in a rising death toll, with Lebanon's Health Minister reporting 558 people killed in recent airstrikes and thousands more injured. The conflict has displaced thousands of civilians, particularly in southern Lebanon where the heaviest bombardments have occurred.
The airstrike that claimed Qubaisi's life targeted a residential area in Beirut, resulting in the deaths of at least six people and injuries to 15 others. The IDF described Qubaisi as being responsible for Hezbollah's missile launches against Israel, including precision-guided missile systems. He was a veteran of the group, having joined Hezbollah in the 1980s and rising through the ranks to oversee its rocket and missile units.
Qubaisi's death is a significant blow to Hezbollah's military capabilities, particularly considering his key involvement in the organization's precision missile program. His expertise and influence within Hezbollah's military leadership made him a valuable asset to the group.
The situation has heightened fears that the conflict could expand into a broader regional war, particularly given the increasing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023. Both the United Nations and international leaders, including US President Joe Biden, have called for restraint to avoid a wider war involving Iran-backed groups in the Middle East.
Despite international calls for de-escalation, the situation remains tense, with Israel vowing to continue its military operations targeting Hezbollah's missile infrastructure. The humanitarian toll in Lebanon continues to rise, with hospitals, medical centers, and ambulances affected by the airstrikes, making it harder for civilians to access care. The number of displaced people in southern Lebanon has reached nearly half a million.
The escalating conflict has also sparked diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation. While international leaders have called for restraint, Lebanon's Foreign Minister expressed disappointment with the international community's response, particularly criticizing President Biden's speech for lacking in strength and promise. He urged the United States to play a more active role in ending the violence, highlighting Lebanon's inability to resolve the conflict alone.